Six apply for city attorney:Aldermen plan to hold interviews next week

By MELISSA STOVER / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard

DEMPSTER

Since City Attorney James W. Dempster passed away in August, the city of McMinnville has been without legal council.

In the regular meeting of the Board Mayor and Aldermen Monday night, discussion continued about filling that void.

Mayor Royce Davenport had previously mailed letters to all local attorneys seeking interested applicants. Six candidates showed interest in filling the position and responded by the deadline.

Those candidates are Lisa Zavogiannis, Marcy Adcock, the law firm of Galligan and Newman, Steve Roller, Phillip Clemons and Thomas Bratcher.

It was decided by board members they would begin the interview process next week. Davenport said interviews would likely take place this coming Tuesday and Thursday.

City officials indicated they would like to have a new attorney appointed by the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen which is Oct. 6.

“It leaves our hands tied about some things not having legal counsel,” said Vice Mayor Patti Nunley.

Whoever is appointed will serve as the city’s legal counsel until they decide to leave or until the board feels their services are no longer needed.