A civic-minded Murrysville resident said she is disappointed she will not be serving as a volunteer in her home community.

Michele Clarke was employed by the municipality for 12 years as a parks and recreation director. After retiring, she wanted to serve as a member of the Stakeholders' Committee, which is charged with creating a comprehensive parks, recreation and open space plan.

Ms. Clarke, however, told council last week that she is withdrawing her bid to be on the committee because council is considering an ordinance that would require her to complete the State Ethics Commission Statement of Financial Interest to serve on the panel.

"In my opinion, using the State Ethics Commission Statement of Financial Interest to gather information about volunteers for this particular advisory committee is unnecessary and a misuse of the form," Ms. Clarke told council March 3.

"The ethics form is not designed for the purpose for which you are using it, nor does it provide the information you may want from someone like me."

Ms. Clarke, a former teacher in the Franklin Regional School District, said she believes many residents who may wish to volunteer in the municipality may have second thoughts before committing to such an endeavor.

"You're going to lose some good people over this," she added.

Council President Joan Kearns said she believes Ms. Clarke brought up some excellent points during the public comment portion of the meeting.

"But we have not yet drafted an ordinance requiring volunteers to fill out this state ethics form," Ms. Kearns said.

Ms. Clarke added that being involved with this committee has no bearing on the State Ethics Commission.

"The open space plan that the stakeholders committee is working on is a 10-year guideline based on current and projected needs and desires of the community," Ms. Clarke said.

"It is a planning tool, not an ordinance. It is an assistance, not a mandate; an information source, not the final word and directive.

"It does not direct spending. It does not commit funding for the present or future."

Ms. Clarke finished by advising council to take careful consideration before pondering the creation of an ordinance in regard to potential volunteers.

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