In the comments regarding my post of the lawsuit by the city against the Skatepark Association, we had two comments that I put to City Attorney Dan Wichmer. Here’s what he had to say (along with the comments.)
Walter posted: “With all the money we pay the city attorney and his staff, why do they farm out so much work to high-priced private firms? Why can’t the city attorney file his own lawsuit? There may be a legal reason, seeing as how the city is a party to the suit. But it would be a good question to ask.”
It WAS a good question, Walter…so I asked it!
City Attorney Wichmer: “Two of my attorneys are claimed to be witnesses by the other side because they spoke to Annette Weatherman before the mediation so I have a conflict.”
Taylor posted: “If the city hires a private attorney, communication between the parties is exempt from Missouri sunshine laws. A small price to pay for secrecy.”
Now, I thought it was likely what Mr. Wichmer answered…
City Attorney Wichmer said that all his communications within the city that fall under attorney-client privilege are not subject to the Sunshine Law. Any of his communications with Council members or other city staff that is not under attorney-client privilege IS subject to the Sunshine Law.
Thank you to Mr. Wichmer for taking the time to answer these comments. I’ll say this about Dan Wichmer…I like talking to him because I have yet to get an answer from him that’s not direct and to the point!
Thank you, Jason, for your excellent reporting.