Commission votes to start RFP for independent legal counsel

The Charter Revision Commission voted to initiate a request for proposals to hire independent outside legal counsel to review the commission’s work and final report. Scott Whiting moved to start the RFP process and the motion passed after debate; the chair said staff will draft the RFP and work with the chair and vice chair on reviewing proposals.

Members expressed differing views about using the city solicitor versus outsourcing. Scott Whiting argued for independent counsel "so that there's no perception that there's any existing city interference with this process," while other members said the city solicitor could handle interim questions and an independent review could be reserved for the final product. Richard Raines said he would not support the motion.