May a City employee serve on a panel to speak on matters related to their City job if an elected official who is a current candidate for public office is also on the panel?
Yes, so long as (a) the panel relates to the employee’s official duties, (b) the employee appears in their official capacity, (c) the elected official does not discuss their campaign, and (d) the event is not hosted or organized by a political campaign, political party, or partisan political group. If, during the event, the elected official engages in any campaign activity, the City employee would need to remove themselves.
These advice tidbits are for reference only. They are not intended as legally protective guidance or binding interpretation of laws within the Board's jurisdiction. You can request individualized informal advice by contacting BOEGCStaff@phila.gov or clicking the Ask for Advice button on the Board's website.