Little v. Freeman

GAWTHROP, J.,

Before us are cross motions for summary judgment in this declaratory judgment action. Plaintiff J. Stephen Little (Little), is the Mayor of the Borough of Kennett Square (Borough), and also works as a private investigator. The issue raised is whether Little’s work as a private detective creates the appearance of a conflict of interest or an actual conflict of interest, with his post as mayor requiring that he divest himself of one of these roles. We conclude that the appearance of such a conflict does indeed exist.

As mayor, Little has full charge of the borough police force, with…