Loading ...I don’t know what Bill Gillespie was trying to prove by challenging the city attorney in Prattville, but I think it was a serious error in judgement.
Monday, in comments that seemed aimed at Gillespie, Council President Dean Argo questioned whether the board trusted McDowell.
“It concerns me that lately this council, some on this council, have made comments and decisions that makes it appear they don’t have confidence in the city attorney,” Argo said. “Mr. McDowell is here to give us legal advice, and I think we should trust him when he gives us legal advice.”
McDowell told the council he felt the mayor acted properly in granting the raises, and while the council had the power to ratify and approve the increases, such ratification was not necessary.
The League of Municipalities agreed that the mayor acted within his power.
Gillespie questioned in the Monday meeting why it took so long for McDowell and the mayor to give him a written opinion about the veracity of the raises.
That’s when McDowell went to the podium to address the council.
“Don’t hang me out there like I didn’t do my job, Mr. Gillespie,” he said, pointing his finger at the councilman, in an exchange that was out of character for the usually easy going lawyer. “You told me you wanted the report by Tuesday, and I said I couldn’t get it done by then, but I would try to have it to you by Friday.”
I have watched Dean Argo and David McDowell work for going on seven years now, they are both extremely honorable men and I would trust them as much as any people I’ve ever known in local politics. I have used Mr. McDowell’s firm for personal legal matters and think he is a very smart lawyer. The reporter on this story has been watching Prattville government for a long time, and I would venture to guess he has never seen the city attorney point a finger at anyone in a public forum. When he says “out of character”, he means…I’ve never seen that happen before.
I hope the council is able to move on, but I think Mr. Gillespie’s desire for second opinions is ridiculous and if the council is going to trust anyone, they can trust David McDowell.
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