Listing your official title on a letter from a local charity that is soliciting toys for disadvantaged children is proper or improper?

• A. Improper
• B. Depends
• C. Proper
• D. Cannot be determined

Answer: (A)

Using your official title in a fundraising letter from a private charity creates the appearance that the government or the official is endorsing or supporting private soliciting. This can mislead recipients into thinking the charity is endorsed by the court or city, or that giving is part of official duties, which can compromise the perceived impartiality and integrity of the public office. The right approach is to keep official communications separate from private charitable solicitations, signing such letters only in a personal capacity or through proper, authorized channels. For those reasons, listing an official title on that type of letter is improper.