City Council aims to pay attorney fees for those accused of ethics violation

On September 3rd during the monthly regular session, the Clarksville City Council passed on first reading, an ordinance brought forward by Ward 11’s Gary Norris that would afford the council the ability to pay attorney fees for those facing ethics violation complaints.

On August 27th, the appointed Clarksville City Councilman for Ward 11, Gary Norris put forward an ordinance amending the Clarksville City Code in regard to hearing procedures for the evaluation of ethics complaints.

Gary Norris (Source City of Clarksville)
Gary Norris (Source City of Clarksville)

The current code states “Each party shall have the right to represent themselves, and to have the assistance of legal counsel at their own expense, but may not be represented by non-attorneys.”

Norris’ amendment changes the verbiage to “Each party shall have the right to represent themselves, and to have the assistance of legal counsel, but may not be represented by non-attorneys. The City Council may approve payment or reimbursement of attorney fee expenses for officials and employees who are charged with an alleged ethics violation.”

Norris Amendment (Source City of Clarksville)
Norris Amendment (Source City of Clarksville)

On September 3rd, eight of the council members voted for Norris’ Ordinance (24-2020-21) with two voting against and two members abstaining. There was approximately one hour of discussion over the proposed ordinance, largely Ward 8 Councilman Allen commenting on his disagreement with it. Allen called it unfair and mentioned this being the wrong time to push the change while there are current ethics complaints against the very councilpersons that voted on it.

Ward 5’s Guzman September 3rd (Source City of Clarksville)

At least five councilpersons, as well as the City Attorney, identified themselves as being involved in the current complaints, including Jeff Burkhart, Stacey Streetman, Jeff Henley, Valerie Guzman, and Tim Chandler. Most stated they would pay their own attorney fees but wanted the change to protect future council members. Ward 5’s Valerie Guzman also made comments about feeling bullied during the meeting.

Mayor Pitts & Ward 8’s Allen (Source City of Clarksville)

Allen also asked how the ordinance got on the agenda to begin with, a question no one was willing to answer. City Attorney Lance Baker specifically said “This whole issue is the subject of the ethics complaint. It’s my right to not discuss it at this time” then again some moments later returned to the microphone to say that he did know who put Norris’ amendment on the agenda, but that he had been advised by his counsel to not answer.

City Attorney Lance Baker & Mayor Pro Temp Allen (Source City of Clarksville)

Councilmembers who voted no on Ordinance 24-2020-21 include Richard Garret – Ward 1 and David Allen – Ward 8. Councilmembers who voted to abstain were Wanda Smith – Ward 6 and Vondell Richmond – Ward 2.

The members who voted for the amendment were Mayor Joe Pitts, Ron Erb – Ward 3, Tim Chandler – Ward 4, Valerie Guzman – Ward 5, Travis Holleman – Ward 7, Jeff Henley – Ward 9, Stacey Streetman – Ward 10, Gary Norris – Ward 11, and Jeff Burkhart – Ward 12.



Trish Butler

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One Thought to “City Council aims to pay attorney fees for those accused of ethics violation”

  1. Roxy

    OMG fighting over ETHICS there’s more shit to worry about in this town then that BS No wonder this town is falling apart looks who all running it. TIME to CLEAN HOUSE. We have traffic so bad roads need to be widen and the building needs to stop until you all stop fighting over DAMN ETHICS and START doing the JOB of CLARKSVILLE and MONTGOMERY. STOP the DAMN BUILDING in this TOWN until you fix that shit. And don’t RAISE our DAMN TAXES FOR IT EITHER.

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