Mason City City Attorney Tom Meyer recently clarified his policy when dealing with the media.
“I have made it a practice to notify the Council when I talk to the media to prevent misunderstandings. I ran into John Skipper this afternoon. He asked me about the original memo I wrote regarding the appointment process for the Human Rights Commission. I confirmed what I said in the memo; the Mayor appoints and the Commission consents as stated in the City Code. He then asked about conflict of interest. I told him the City Attorney does not decide what a Council Member can or cannot vote on, that is a decision the individual member must make. I advised him my only role is if the member comes to me for advice I will talk it through with him/her, but the member is under no obligation to discuss it with me.”
The City Attorney position in Mason City is “The chief legal officer of the City of Mason City is the City Attorney. This position provides counsel and direction to the city, by attending meetings of the City Council and selected boards and commissions. The City Attorney represents the city in all cases before the federal and state courts as well as various administrative agencies where the city has an interest.
The City Attorney processes all claims and suits for and against the City and provides written opinions to the City Council, boards and commissions, the City Administrator and City departments. The City Attorney assists in the preparation and review of legal documents, legislation, and other matters in which there is a City interest.” (From masoncity.net) |
