Opinion 15-177

November 18, 2015

Dear :

         This responds to your inquiry (15-177) asking about your ethical obligations upon learning a political party leader organized a retirement party for you and another judge. Attendees were asked to make checks payable to the organizer’s political committee. Amid concern that the event was a political fund-raiser or other politically sponsored event, you requested the event be canceled.

         The event has been canceled, and you now inquire whether you are ethically required to take any additional steps. The Committee advises that you need not take any further action as your request that the event be canceled is sufficient.

         Enclosed, for your convenience, are Opinions 15-19; 13-60; 12-62/12-69; and 04-133 which address this issue.

                                       Very truly yours,

George D. Marlow, Assoc. Justice

Appellate Division, First Dept. (Ret.)

Committee Chair

Encls.