Poughkeepsie council overrides mayor’s veto of legislative lawyer

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POUGHKEEPSIE – The Poughkeepsie Common Council recently voted to spend up to $25,000 to hire a Long Island law firm to provide legal counsel to the lawmakers.

Mayor Rob Rolison vetoed the action, saying that it was a violation of the city’s charter.  On Monday night, the council voted 6-3 in favor of overriding the veto.  Councilwoman Yvonne Flowers voted against the plan, noting that she didn’t vote in favor of the hiring the first time and therefore wouldn’t support the override.

In his veto message, Rolison said in part, “We are not taking any options away from what we may do to protect the integrity of the charter,” setting the stage for potential litigation regarding the hiring of the law firm.

On Monday night, Rolison renewed his vow to consult with Paul Ackerman, the city’s attorney, on Tuesday morning, to chart a plan of action.

Councilwoman Natasha Cherry voted in favor of the override, saying, “Although I believe our Corporation Counsel Ackerman does a good job representing both the council and the administration, I also believe the council has the right to hire professional staff to advise the council on matters that may require an independent legal opinion.”

Councilman Matthew McNamara was adamant in his opposition to the hiring of the law firm as well as the override vote.  “It’s very unfortunate that some members of the council have been pushing to add staff and increase our expenses at a time when we are seeing sharp drops in city revenue,” said McNamara after voting against the override.

 




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