Town attorney

[gorja]

I believe, it would be a benefit to our town if we had a town attorney that could be present at the beginning of our work sessions.

[mark blazejewski]

I believe, it would be a benefit to our town if we had a town attorney that could be present at the beginning of our work sessions.

My Opinion:

I agree with your opinion Gorja.

During the late winter of 2023 and into 2024, I understood from the Conservative leadership that there was a great deal of dissatisfaction with the previous town attorney.

In fact, before that attorney was replaced, didn't the powers-that-be institute a coding system indicating the source of resolution generation?

During that same time frame, I recall receiving messages from that leadership inquiring how many mistakes the town attorney made during the public sessions. I frequently responded "I am not a lawyer and am not qualified to peer-review a professional attorney."

Once that attorney left its position, was not that attorney replaced with an attorney who previously was not reappointed as counsel for LIDA; hired by some of the very same actors who apparently did not renew its LIDA appointment?

Speaking strictly as a non-professional, I am confident that the current town attorney, like the previous town attorney, is fully qualified to do the job, but the incumbent counsel sure seems to have a great many absences, just my opinion of course.

[gorja]

At least earlier in the year, there eas substitute to answer legal questions.

It seemed last night there were some legal questions regarding special events during the work session. By the time the town attorney finishes here presence at the Town of Alden board meeting, it's time for our regular meeting.

I think she should made to make a choice between the 2 towns

[gorja]

On the Town of Lancaster website under duties and services provided by the town attorney, this was included.

"Attendance at town board meetings and work sessions."

It doesn't say how often.

The minutes reflect that she was present but don't reflect that she was tardy

[mark blazejewski]

I think she should made to make a choice between the 2 towns

My Opinion:

I am not making any allegation(s) whatsoever, but I have been uncomfortable with the idea of two contiguous towns sharing the same town attorney.

In what may be rare instances, in circumstances when the two towns may have conflicting interests, perhaps a common attorney perhaps would not serve the best interests of either town?