(1997)

Dear Mr. Lahey:

You have requested our opinion on the meaning of "malfeasance in office," as used in Article 66B, § 3.02(a) of the Maryland Code. In particular, you ask whether a planning commission member may be removed on this basis only if the member commits a crime.1

Our opinion is as follows: "Malfeasance in office" describes wrongful conduct of a public official with a direct relation to the performance of official duties that substantially affects the public interest. The wrongful conduct need not constitute a violation of the criminal law in order to meet this standard.

I

Planning…