(2000)

Dear The Honorable K. Bennett Bozman

You request our opinion whether an Ocean City police officer may serve as a member of the Ocean City Council. We conclude that, although a police officer may seek election to the Council while remaining on the police force, the common law doctrine of incompatible positions precludes simultaneous service as a Council member and police officer in Ocean City. We note, however, that the town itself may resolve the issue of a police officer's service on the City Council by either abrogating the doctrine of incompatible positions or explicitly prohibiting service…