Council Begins Search For New City Attorney
 | Author:
Linda Kent, MT43 News Staff Reporter
MT43 News Correspondent |
Council Begins Search for New City Attorney
Linda Kent
MT43 News Staff Reporter
Townsend’s City Council opened its search for a new city attorney this week, following notice from current city attorney Peter Simon that he would not be renewing his contract to provide legal counsel to the city after the first of the new year.
Simon, who has represented the city since 2018, advised the Council that he would not be renewing his contract at the Nov. 5 regular meeting. He cited the difficulty balancing the work of his private practice with the ongoing city projects among his reasons for stepping away from advising the City of Townsend.
In addition to drafting resolutions, advising the city on a wide range of legal issues, and researching and providing the city with recommendations on a variety of topics, the eventual city attorney may also be expected to represent the city in criminal and civil matters.
With the election of current County Attorney Cory Swanson as chief justice of the state’s highest court and the departure of Deputy County Attorney Jenna Hatfield, the eventual Townsend City Attorney may also be asked to resume the role of prosecuting civil cases on behalf of the city.
The city will be accepting proposals from prospective attorneys through Dec. 20, 2024. Simon said he would be willing to extend his current contract for a few months should the search for his replacement extend past Jan. 1.
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PhotoCredit: Peter Simon
Image 1 Caption: Peter Simon
