The City of Poughkeepsie Common Council voted 7-1 on May 5 to overturn Mayor John Tkazyik’s veto disallowing the council to seek an outside attorney when needed. The veto was the result of an amendment made by the council to local law LL-08-01 at last month’s April 21 meeting.
The amendment, which passed 6-1-1 – Councilman Thomas Parise (R-1st Ward) voted against the measure, while Councilwoman Penny Lewis (D-5th Ward) abstained, would allow the council to secure the services of outside counsel.
“It’s an issue that we felt strongly about and we thought a veto override was warranted,” said Chairman Brian Doyle (D-4th Ward), who, after the meeting, likened the issue to having a trusted family doctor.
“There are times when you go to your family doctor, but there are times when it’s worthwhile to get a second opinion. I think this will serve that purpose – but only in rare instances, or maybe not at all, but for the council to have that option is worthwhile,” he said.
The city currently employs three attorneys, who are paid a combined $266,605 yearly, and who are led by Corporation Counsel Brian Morgan. Tkazyik appointed Morgan, who was later confirmed by the Democrat-controlled council.
Tkazyik vetoed the council’s right to retain independent counsel, and in an April 29 statement, he wrote: “The local law does not limit itself to specific narrow circumstances where the city’s legal staff cannot for ethical reasons provide legal services to the council. The Common Council is therefore granting itself virtually unlimited power to increase the cost of legal services for virtually any reason. That is bad management of public resources and undermines the mayor’s responsibility for supervising the city’s legal department.”
“I wasn’t expecting it, but was it a surprise? No. There was a proposed amendment to the code, the council passed it. The mayor vetoed it. We overrode the veto. So as far as I can see, the amendment to the code stands, and that option is at our disposal,” said Doyle, who emphasized that there is no current need for the council to seek legal services – and there may never be.
“There are many issues before the city, this is really – I believe, secondary to so many of the other issues that we have before us. Luckey Platt, the waterfront, the quality of life in the city, safe and clean streets – these are all very important issues that I know the council and the mayor agree on, and will continue to work together on,” said Doyle.
Tkazyik did not return calls seeking comment as of press time.