SEWELL, N.J. & BLACKWOOD, N.J. - s4story -- The Local Finance Board (LFB) has opened an investigation into possible ethics violations by Laurie Burns, the acting mayor of Washington Township and Clerk of the Board for Gloucester County. Information has come to light regarding Burns' potential conflict of interest in these dual roles.

The LFB, which oversees the conduct of local government officers and employees, initiated the investigation after receiving a complaint about Burns. The LFB will determine if Burns violated ethics rules around transparency, fairness and avoiding conflicts of interest in her positions. If found in violation, Burns could face fines and other disciplinary action.

William O'Hanlon, a candidate running against Burns, said "The people of Washington Township and Gloucester County deserve honest, transparent government free of political conflicts of interest or self-dealing. I have full faith the Local Finance Board will conduct a fair investigation into these serious allegations against Mayor Burns."

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Burns has served as acting mayor of Washington Township since December, 2023 and Clerk of the Board for Gloucester County since 2015. The LFB investigation threatens to undermine Burns' authority in both roles during this critical time. The investigation hinges around a similar case involving former Mayor Matt Lyons, who was forced to resign as mayor to continue his role as legal council for Gloucester County.  It is the conflict of interest Burns faces between her two positions that the LFB will continue to investigate.

The LFB is expected to announce the results of its investigation and any penalties against Burns within 3-6 months. Both Washington Township and Gloucester County residents await the LFB's findings, as Burns' ethics and leadership have now been called into question.

For more information about the Local Finance Board, visit:  https://www.nj.gov/dca