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Council approves Vernon & Weeks as city attorney despite objections over past ties
Summary
The Harrison City Council voted to approve Vernon & Weeks as the city attorney after debate over whether Susan Weeks had formerly served as Mayor Wanda Irish’s personal attorney in 2017. The motion passed with two recorded nays; councilors requested conflict-of-interest assurances.
The Harrison City Council on Feb. 12 approved Vernon & Weeks to serve as the city attorney after members debated disclosures about a past relationship involving the firm.
Charlie Shutt pushed to amend the January minutes, saying the record should reflect that “item 9.B includes a note about Susan Weeks, of Vernon & Weeks, serving as the Mayor's personal attorney in 2017.” Mayor Wanda Irish contested that characterization and suggested the council handle the matter in executive session. Joe Cornell said that “had he been aware of the facts, he would have voted differently back in January,” and proposed hiring Vernon & Weeks only after getting a written assurance of no conflicts.
The motion to approve Vernon & Weeks carried with recorded votes (Will Butler AYE; Josephine Prophet AYE; Joe Cornell AYE; Charlie Shutt NAY; Debbie Lockhart AYE; John Gray NAY). Councilmembers discussed preparing an engagement letter and confirming the attorney has no conflicts related to pending or imminent litigation.
