QUESTION: May a judge accept appointment to a city commission on disabilities whose purposes are to advise and make recommendations to the mayor, city council, and city department directors regarding the needs, rights and privileges of people with disabilities? The commission's duties shall include, but not be limited to, developing programs to provide employment opportunities for people with disabilities; to address accessibility issues; to address issues of alcoholism and drug abuse; to take advantage of all federal, state, and local funding opportunities; and to insure adequate housing for people with disabilities.

ANSWER: No. Canon 5G provides that a judge should not accept appointment to a governmental commission concerned with issues of fact or policy on matters other than the improvement of the law, the legal system, or the administration of justice. This governmental commission is not concerned with the improvement of the law, the legal system, or the administration of justice. The committee concludes that service on the commission is therefore prohibited by Canon 5G. See also Canon 4H of the new code of judicial conduct, effective March 1, 1994, which is the same as Canon 5G now in effect.