Politics & Government
Pirrello: Mayor's Lawyer Answered Conflict Of Interest Questions
Ellisville is looking for a new City Attorney after firing Paul Martin. Council will talk more about the process Thursday night.

The Ellisville City Council will meet in a work session Thursday night for a second time this week as the city moves forward in a search for a new City Attorney. As it stands, a lawyer currently suing the Ellisville City Manager and one member of the council is still in the running for the job.
The council fired Paul Martin earlier this month, following the return of Mayor Adam Paul when Paul was reinstated by a St. Louis County judge. Paul and his allies have long alleged that Martin helped orchestrate Paul's impeachment earlier this year.
Chet Pleban, Paul's attorney, is representing him in a suit against Martin, City Manager Kevin Bookout and Ward 1 Councilman Matt Pirrello and Kathryn James. But Pleban's firm was also one of six to come forward with a proposal to become the next Ellisville City Attorney.
Wednesday, Pirrello said Pleban "comported himself with the utmost professionalism," and explained in a Tuesday night work session why he felt there would not be a conflict of interest. Pirrello said Pleban would be "duly considered" for the position.
Pirrello said all the firms "represented themselves quite well,"Β no single firm stuck out from the pack and that each council member would submit their top 3 firms in priority order.
He added that Thursday's 6 p.m. work session could at the very least narrow the field, or at the other end of the spectrum, identify a firm to begin negotiations.
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