ATLANTA — A member of the Georgia Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission “may serve no more than one complete four year term of office,” the state attorney general’s office state said in a recent opinion.
However, Deputy Attorney General Dennis R. Dunn said, a member of the board — formerly known as the State Ethics Commission — “may for a period of less than a complete term hold over in office until his successor is duly appointed and properly takes office.”
Dunn delivered the opinion in response to an inquiry from Gov. Nathan Deal.
“It is apparent that there has been a substantial misunderstanding of the law and the nature of the appointments for members of the Commission,” Dunn wrote.
“Current occupants of those offices may legally hold over and, in some instances, may be eligible for reappointment,” the deputy attorney general added. However, no member of the Georgia Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission may serve more than one complete four year term of office, as set by law; notwithstanding that limitation, a member may for a period of less than a complete term hold over in office until his successor is duly appointed and properly takes office.”