Council Puts Pantelides' Chosen City Attorney in Limbo

The city attorney selected by Mayor Mike Pantelides was questioned by City Councilmen during a closed-door session this week about his qualifications for the job.

Timothy Murnane, a former trial attorney who assisted Pantelides in his campaign, was appointed by the new mayor as city attorney—his name has already replaced former city attorney Karen Hardwick's as the head of the city's Office of Law on the city's website.

But Councilman Kenneth Kirby moved Monday to delay the official confirmation until January, and everyone on the council but Pantelides approved, according to The Capital.

At Monday's council meeting, Alderwoman Sheila Finlayson criticized Murnane's interactions with department heads, saying there is "confusion" about allegiances. And Alderman Ross Arnett questioned Murane's background, noting that he has no experience with municipal law.

Pantelides told The Capital that he was disappointed the council waited until the Monday meeting to raise concerns, but said that was part of politics.

Murnane's confirmation has been postponed until the Jan. 13 council meeting.