July 26, 2013
Massachusetts

Fairhaven considers options for new town counsel

By Ariel Wittenberg | July 26, 2013 | www.southcoasttoday.com

FAIRHAVEN – Selectmen will advertise for a new town attorney in August and, in the interim, are looking into hiring a special attorney to help with potential litigation involving Fairhaven’s two wind turbines.

At their Thursday meeting, selectmen voted unanimously to start advertising for new town counsel in local publications and Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly.

Current counsel Thomas Crotty could not be reached for comment Thursday night.

He declined to comment on the issue Wednesday when asked by The Standard-Times about the board’s agenda for its meeting.

Noting that the process of advertising for and then reviewing candidates could take time, Selectman Bob Espindola suggested that, in the meantime, the town employ a special counsel to help with potential litigation involving the town’s ongoing negotiations with the turbine developers.

In June, the board received a general proposal from Boston-based lawfirm Kopelman and Paige and has since received more detailed information about two specific lawyers from that firm, including resumes and hourly rates.

The board did not make a final decision on whether to hire interim counsel, instead opting to meet with the candidates at their next meeting on Aug. 8. Selectmen also decided to schedule a meeting with Crotty on that date.

Selectman Geoffrey Haworth emphasized that unless or until the board chooses a new attorney, Crotty “will continue to represent the town.”

Espindola stressed that the proposal for an “interim” counsel for turbine issues is “only a proposal at this time.”

John Methia, who opposes the turbines and was present at the board’s Thursday night meeting, noted he is “concerned” about Crotty’s job performance, saying “as of late, he seems to be not available.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/07/26/fairhaven-considers-options-for-new-town-counsel/