Committee advances Anthony Jones as county attorney nominee after endorsements

The Government Operations and Fiscal Policy Committee on Jan. 28 recommended County Executive Anthony Jones' nomination for county attorney by recorded roll call.

LaJoy Cannon, interim appointments liaison for the County Executive's office, presented Anthony Jones as the nominee, summarizing his federal government legal career and noting prior service as general counsel at the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy. Cannon's presentation referenced Jones' experience overseeing federal grant programs that allocate more than $450,000,000 annually.

Anthony Jones told the committee that personal experience shaped his career in public service. "The reason I became a lawyer is because of what happened to my dad," he said, describing his father's workplace injury and saying that advocacy for workers guided his legal work at the AFL-CIO and the Department of Labor.

Dr. Rahul Gupta, who supervised Jones at the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, testified in support of the nominee, praising Jones' judgment, ethics leadership and management. "I trust him completely," Gupta said, and described Jones as "prepared, thoughtful, and steady" during high-pressure periods.

A committee member moved to "move favorable" on Jones' nomination (moved by council member Begay; second by council member Ivey). The clerk called the roll; recorded 'Aye' votes from Burrows, Bllegay, Hunter and Ivey and the motion held 4-0 on the record. No amendments or conditions to the nomination were recorded during the committee session.

The committee's favorable recommendation will be forwarded to the full council for confirmation according to the county's appointment procedures.