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Salem Township selects MBM Law as new solicitor; residents voice concern about law firm model
Summary
Salem Township appointed MBM Law as township solicitor at its Jan. 5 organizational meeting, replacing a 24-year incumbent; supervisors said the change aims to improve onsite availability, while residents asked why the township chose a firm instead of an individual attorney.
Kerry Jobe, appointed chairman at the Jan. 5 Salem Township Board of Supervisors organizational meeting, told the board the supervisors voted to retain MBM Law as the township solicitor with no monthly retainer and a $175 hourly rate for work outside regular meetings. The motion passed unanimously.
Jobe said the prior solicitor, Solicitor Falatovich, served the township for 24 years and ‘‘he is not physically here on a regular basis.’’ He framed the change as a transition rather than a rebuke of Falatovich, saying the new firm can provide quicker on-site answers and will assign at least two attorneys to the township’s matters.
Resident Debbie Perino asked why the township was hiring a firm rather than an individual attorney, saying, ‘‘If it is a firm, it could be a group of 10 or 12 employees. You may not know who the solicitor is and who isn't. She doesn't care about the idea of a firm. She thinks it should be one individual.’’ Kerry Jobe replied that the township would not be dealing with the entire firm and expects two specific attorneys to handle township business; he said those attorneys include a seasoned attorney, Falco Muscante, and a younger colleague, Ryan Thomas.
Todd Paulich said some residents had been unhappy that the previous solicitor was not present at meetings. Resident and former Planning Commission chair Jack Dunaway praised Solicitor Falatovich for his prior service and thanked current Planning Commission chair Connie Mattei for her diligence in planning matters.
The board did not amend the firm's proposed terms during the meeting. The motion to appoint MBM Law carried, with Kerry Jobe, Bob Zundel and Todd Paulich voting in favor. The board indicated Solicitor Falatovich will assist during the transition.
What happens next: Supervisors said MBM Law will introduce the attorneys who will work with the township as the transition proceeds. No additional details about a retainer or scope changes beyond the $175 hourly outside-meeting rate were provided during the meeting.
