Short Treatise on the Topics of "Conflicts of Interest" and "Separation of Powers"

A little free legal advice from one well-respected local legal practitioner

Fine guest commentary in this morning's Standard-Examiner, responding to Sunday's Scott Schwebke story, wherein Boss Godfrey unleashed his latest cry-baby temper tantrum in the public press, concerning the Ogden City Council's recent practice of employing private counsel for second opinions and in "conflict of interest" situations.

While Sunday's article provoked a fairly robust discussion here on Weber County Forum, our discussion was nevertheless slightly oblique. Whereas we merely nibbled around the edges of the ethical principles necessitating employment of independent counsel in certain instances, this morning's editorial piece squarely addresses the "conflicts" and "separation of powers" principles which are regularly violated when our city council relies upon Boss Godfrey's lawyers for the drafting of documents and ordinances, and in the rendering of legal opinions. For a well reasoned and concise nutshell legal treatise on the subject, be sure to read Deb Badger's most excellent morning guest editorial, which, as an added bonus, also makes a cogent and highly persuasive argument for the council's employment of permanent in-house staff counsel:

"City council needs independent legal advice"

A Weber County Forum Tip O' the Hat to to local barrister Deb Badger this morning, for going public on a topic we've been hammering with various council members for years.