§ 11-11-123. Political activity prohibited for officers and employees in classified service - Removal for violations.

A.  No officer or employee in the classified service of a statutory strong-mayor-council city may actively influence, or actively attempt to influence, or work actively for, the nomination, election or defeat of any candidate for mayor or councilmember; but this shall not prohibit the ordinary exercise of one's right as a citizen to express his opinions and to vote.  An officer or employee who violates this section shall be removed from office or position either by the authority normally having power to remove him, or, after adequate opportunity for a public hearing, by the personnel board.  An officer or employee who violates this section shall not hold any office or position in the city government for a period of four (4) years thereafter.

B.  A qualified elector of the city may bring an alleged violation of this section before the personnel board for consideration and determination.  Alleged violations shall be made in the form of a sworn complaint charging an officer or employee with such violation.  The complaint shall be filed with the secretary or chairman of the personnel board and shall be accompanied by a deposit of Twenty Dollars ($20.00) for payment of costs.  If the personnel board finds to its satisfaction that the officer or employee has violated this section prohibiting political activity, it shall remove him from office or position, and the money deposit shall be returned to the complainant.

Laws 1977, c. 256, § 11-123, eff. July 1, 1978.