Council members want solicitor of their own

The city code does not allow for council to have its own solicitor.
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Some newly elected -- and some veteran -- city council members say they want their own solicitor in the coming year.
But the prospects of that happening are unlikely, said current city Solicitor James Manolis.
Manolis is expected to be replaced next year when Mayor-elect Wayne Alexander takes office. Alexander has said he intends to appoint Angelo Papa to the post.
But council members say they want their own solicitor, just in case they have a conflict.
Manolis said the solicitor appointed by the mayor and approved by council should represent both council and the mayor.
Councilman John Russo said that's not always the case.
"In the past solicitors appointed by the mayor have sided with the mayor," he said.
But Manolis said the city solicitor should remain independent.
"A lawyer is supposed to provide independent advice and be intellectually honest," he said.
Three newly elected council members, Karen DeCarlo, Will Quimby and Rob Ratkovich, said they also want council to have its own solicitor.
Discussed it already
Quimby, who will take office in January, said the three discussed that possibility long before the general election. He said the request has nothing to do with Alexander's choice of a solicitor.
Quimby added that council's solicitor would not be a full-time position, but only someone consulted on special issues.
Manolis said the city code does not allow for council to have its own solicitor, but council could pass an ordinance creating one.
Manolis added that council does have the ability to reject anyone the mayor appoints as city solicitor.
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