April 18, 2007
Kansas
Kansas
Russell attorney Dennis Davidson will replace Bill Jeter as county counselor in matters pertaining to the potential development of a wind farm southwest of Ellis County, it was decided at Monday’s Ellis County Commission meeting.
Following a 20-minute executive session, commissioners formally accepted Jeter’s resignation and appointed Davidson in a 3-0 vote by commissioners.
“It would be very difficult to find someone in Hays who didn’t have a conflict of interest,” said County Chairman Vernon Berens. “We didn’t want to question the attorney, so we just went with someone out of Russell who does not have a conflict.”
Furthermore, Russell County also has implemented countywide zoning, so Davidson will be familiar with the procedure, Berens said.
Jeter announced his resignation during executive session at the April 9 county commission meeting, citing a potential conflict of interest.
“In visiting with county commissioners, we thought that most lawyers in Hays would probably have a conflict on interest and decided we needed to go outside of Hays,” Jeter said. “(Davidson) is someone I know and respect a lot in a neighboring community, so I thought it would be a good solution.”
No other attorneys were considered to fill the vacant counsel position.
Jeter plans to sit down with Davidson and get him up to speed on the negotiations. His first official duty likely will be the May 23 Ellis County Planning and Zoning Commission public hearing, Jeter said.
Davidson declined to comment on the appointment.
By Kaley Lyon
Hays daily News
17 April 2007
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/04/18/new-counsel-for-wind-farm-issues/