PEABODY — The City Council on Thursday night overrode Mayor Edward A. Bettencourt Jr.’s veto of a motion that would have created a new legislative city solicitor.
On May 12, Councilor Jon Turco moved to refer the issue of retaining legal representation for the City Council and establishing its structure to the city’s Legal Affairs Committee. The motion carried with a 10-0 vote.
The council has been seeking their own lawyer, as opposed to reaching out to the city solicitor whenever they needed guidance or had questions. The motion would allow there to be further discussion regarding the decision to bring on another attorney.
In response to the motion, Bettencourt vetoed. At the June 23 City Council meeting, Bettencourt explained his reasoning, saying, “I can envision a scenario if those two attorneys disagreed and we went into litigation with that type of effort, that type of disagreement … It’s critical to go in with a unified voice on all litigation.”
At the most recent meeting on July 14, Bettencourt returned to the council, where they discussed overriding his veto.
“In reflecting on our last meeting … I thought a lot of fair points were made and I wanted to make sure all of you knew that those comments do not fall on deaf ears,” Bettencourt told the council.
He continued by expressing a desire to speak with members to resolve any issues between the council and law department.
Bettencourt said his veto was a result of a misunderstanding about a change in the motion. He clarified that while he did not want to fund a new position, he did support discussion in the Legal Affairs subcommittee.
“The veto was made because of confusion on the motion…. I am all for having the discussion, that’s why I’m here today to offer that,” he said. “That’s very well deserved.”
Turco concurred, noting his belief that the council can discuss whatever it likes.
“We have the right to discuss anything we would like, whether that be the paint color in the Wiggin Auditorium or a city solicitor … That’s all this is, the will to have a discussion on the issue again. Nothing may come of that, a motion may come of it that you later veto. I don’t know. But I would like the opportunity to discuss it with this council,” Turco said.
With support from the mayor, the council voted 10-0 to override the veto, landing them back at square one. Both Bettencourt and the City Council have said they look forward to discussions about making the legal department work for both the executive and legislative branches.
Emma Fringuelli can be reached at [email protected].
