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MRSC Insight Blog


Posts for Elected and Appointed Officials

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Elected Officials and Benefits Programs

March 23, 2026  by  MRSC Insight
Category:  Compensation ,  Leave Policies ,  Elected and Appointed Officials

Are elected officials considered employees? If so, are they eligible for the various benefits programs provided for in state law? This simple question requires a case-by-case examination of eligible state-based benefits programs. 

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The De Facto Officer Doctrine: Protecting Local Governments and the Public

March 16, 2026  by  Linda Gallagher
Category:  Court Decisions and AGO Opinions ,  Elected and Appointed Officials

What happens if an elected official made a procedural error in assuming office? How does this impact the actions they have taken or decisions they have participated in? Fortunately, the de facto officer doctrine provides some protection for local governments and the public.

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Residency Requirements for Local Government Officials and Appointees

January 29, 2024  by  Flannary Collins
Category:  County Officials ,  Boards and Commissions ,  Running for Office ,  City and Town Officials ,  Elected and Appointed Officials

Must an elected official, advisory (e.g., volunteer) board member, or city or county administrator reside in the jurisdiction they serve or work for? The answer to this question depends on the position, and in some cases, local policies. 

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Roles and Responsibilities: Questions and Answers

April 5, 2021  by  Linda Gallagher
Category:  County Officials ,  City and Town Officials ,  Elected and Appointed Officials

This blog explores frequently asked questions related to roles and responsibilities of elected officials versus local government staff.

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Troublesome Behavior: Defending Against Harassment of Public Officials and Employees

March 18, 2021  by  Sarah Doar
Category:  County Officials ,  Personnel Policies ,  City and Town Officials ,  Elected and Appointed Officials

This blog explores strategies for dealing with members of the public who cross the line into harassing elected officials or local government staff.

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Who’s the Boss? Separation of Powers in Local Government

February 18, 2021  by  Linda Gallagher
Category:  County Officials ,  City and Town Officials ,  Elected and Appointed Officials

This blog post discusses the importance of the roles and responsibilities of elected and appointed officials working together in local governments.

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Political Speech and Lobbying by Local Government Employees: What are the Rules of Engagement?

April 17, 2017  by  Oskar Rey
Category:  County Officials ,  City and Town Officials ,  Elected and Appointed Officials

Wherever you fall on the political spectrum, it is important for government employees to know the rules of engagement. While everyone has First Amendment rights, there are certain restrictions on speech and lobbying that apply to employees of local public agencies. 

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Do Public Employees Lose Their Freedom of Speech?

February 3, 2015  by  Lynn Nordby
Category:  County Officials ,  City and Town Officials ,  Elected and Appointed Officials

Many local government executives have experienced a situation where an employee says something during a public comment period or gets a letter published about a government issue in a local newspaper. Can or should an executive prevent an employee from speaking out on issues?

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