During a recent government meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding the appointment of a new solicitor and the authority of the commission over board members. One commissioner emphasized the potential conflict of interest involving the law firm Elliot, Greenleaf, and Dean, which reportedly earns over $1 million in legal fees from the county. The commissioner urged that the firm should not be considered for the solicitor position without a clear statement confirming no conflicts exist.
The discussion also highlighted a critical gap in the county's governance structure, specifically the lack of provisions for removing appointed members from boards and commissions. This issue was underscored by a past incident involving a member who could not be removed due to the absence of such provisions in the county charter.
Tensions escalated when accusations of corruption were exchanged, with one commissioner defending their right to criticize the council's actions. They pointed to a recent hiring of a family member of a county employee as a violation of county rules, arguing that it exemplifies ongoing issues within the government. The commissioner asserted that public officials must be open to scrutiny and cannot intimidate others with threats of legal action.
The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn, but not before underscoring the need for transparency and accountability within the county's governance. The discussions reflect ongoing challenges in maintaining ethical standards and the proper functioning of government bodies.