Opinion 07-134

September 26, 2007

         This responds to your inquiry (07-134) asking whether you may serve on a committee of citizens honoring the veterans of your town. You state that the committee is non-political, is not involved in fund-raising activities, and that you would not be listed as Town Justice on the committee’s letterhead or any other committee publication.

         The Rules Governing Judicial Conduct permit a judge to be a member of charitable and civic organizations not conducted for profit. 22 NYCRR 100.4(C)(3). In Opinion 98-145, this Committee advised that a judge may serve on a committee formed to create a memorial to honor the veterans in the judge’s town. Similarly, it is permissible for you to serve on a committee formed to honor the veterans of your town, provided that you do not personally participate in the solicitation of funds or other fund-raising activities by the organization. 22 NYCRR 100.4(C)(3)(b)(i).

         We enclose a copy of Opinion 98-145 for your convenience.