Dual officeholders drawing scrutiny. State panel sees potential conflict

[Ian David]

By John C. Drake, Globe Staff | July 16, 2007

In Massachusetts, known for its healthy appetite for politics, a quirk in the state constitution allows the state's most ambitious politicos to hold more than one elected office.

For that, Michael Sullivan can be thankful.

Sullivan, from a storied family of politicians, was elected Middlesex County clerk of courts last fall, replacing his 86-year-old uncle, Edward J. Sullivan, who had stepped down after nearly 50 years. Michael Sullivan is also an elected Cambridge city councilor.

His total pay: about $170,000 a year.

A state advisory panel for clerks of court has recommended that Sullivan drop one of the posts, saying conflicts of interest could arise between the dual roles. Sullivan insists he has taken steps to avoid any conflict, and has pulled nomination papers for re election to the City Council. He said he is confident he could continue to handle both jobs.

More:
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2007/07/16/dual_officeholders_drawing_scrutiny/?rss_id=Boston+Globe+--+City%2FRegion+News