Bill Allowing Gov't Employees to Seek Public Office Without Taking Leave Defeated in Senate

Another attempt by Senator Marise James to pass legislation that would allow government employees to seek political office while actively employed by the GVI, has stalled after her colleagues failed to second the motion seeking to move the bill forward during Thursday’s meeting of the Committee on Rules and Judiciary.‌

The defeat of this legislation underlines a significant barrier for government employees who might wish to enter politics, according to proponents of the measure. Currently, those aspiring to run for office must take leave without pay, which would lead to financial and professional instability that deters many potential candidates, proponents contend. This requirement effectively narrows the pool of individuals willing to contest elections, and thereby preserves the status quo by limiting competition and maintaining a smaller, more manageable slate of candidates — potentially benefiting incumbent lawmakers who face less competition.

Under Bill 35-0032, employees would be able to seek office while actively employed “unless specifically prohibited by federal or other laws.” It was first introduced last September, and met with immense opposition. At the time, lawmakers including Senators Kenneth Gittens and Carla Joseph were concerned over issues of conflicts of interest, abuse of taxpayer dollars and possible violations of government policies.