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Putnam County committee narrows charter change after heated debate, exempts current county attorney
Summary
A proposed local law to amend Putnam County’s charter to broaden the legislature’s authority over the county attorney drew sharp debate over motive and timing; the committee approved an amendment exempting the person currently holding the county attorney post and sent the broader draft on for further review.
The Rules, Enactments & Intergovernmental Relations Committee debated a proposed local law on Sept. 12 that would amend Article 8 of the Putnam County charter to change how a county attorney could be removed. After extended exchanges over whether the proposal was retaliatory toward the sitting county attorney, the committee adopted an amendment exempting the person currently occupying the county attorney seat.
The amendment—offered at the meeting—was intended to make the change prospective. "This shall not affect the person who currently is the county attorney," the amendment’s sponsor said when proposing the change. Supporters said the revision would clarify the legislature’s authority and impose a higher threshold for future removal; opponents said the measure originated from a recent dispute and risked politicizing the office.
Proponents argued the amendment tightened protections for term limits and clarified removal authority. One proponent said the legislature needs a stronger check in some future conflict: "What it does do is in the future ... it gives the legislature by 2 thirds vote the opportunity to remove that potential problem," a sponsor said. Opponents countered that the proposal was unnecessary and could weaken the county executive’s ability to obtain counsel of choice. One legislator described the ordinance as "a non solution to a non issue" and called the timing "ridiculous."
The chair recused herself from parts of the discussion, citing potential ethical issues: "I do not believe this proposed charter change necessarily presents a conflict for me ... I am recusing myself," she said before appointing a chair pro tem for the item. The committee voted to approve the amendment exempting the current county attorney by voice vote; the full local law and companion language will be reviewed in a later committee or full session as required.
The committee did not adopt any immediate change removing the sitting county attorney. Members agreed to make the draft available for greater public review before additional votes and to refer the related items to a special Rules meeting for further consideration.
