By RICK MILLER
Olan Star
OLEAN — Olean aldermen unanimously confirmed a Randolph attorney, Bridget Marshall, to succeed Jack Hart as Olean city attorney at a special meeting Tuesday.
Mayor Bill Aiello nominated Marshall and introduced her at a special meeting of the Common Council. Hart, who has worked as city attorney under several mayors over the past three decades. He retired last month.
Marshall serves as a municipal attorney for several Cattaraugus County towns including Randolph, Coldspring, Little Valley, Great Valley and Ashford. She would be required to work two days a week as city attorney, working as a prosecutor in City Court on Thursdays and at council meetings on Tuesday nights.
Aiello said Marshall would be paid the same as the former city attorney, $62,500.
Several aldermen briefly questioned Marshall prior to the vote to confirm the mayoral appointment.
Marshall told Sonya McCall, D-Ward 4, that while there was somewhat of a learning curve between town government and being city attorney, but that she would research any unfamiliar subjects and consult with another attorney if necessary. She added that if something wasn’t working out, “I’m pretty approachable.
Vernon Robinson Jr., I-Ward 6, said the Council was most concerned about legal advice during Common Council meetings and he was glad to hear that Marshall shared that concern.
Council President John Crawford, D-Ward 5, said it is important that aldermen can get a legal interpretation as they are conducting a meeting.
Marshall replied that she would be comfortable doing that and would research a subject if necessary.
Alderman Jason Panus, R-Ward 2, said it seemed that both the county district attorney and city attorneys have “been behind the 8-ball” in prosecuting local violations. Will you be aggressive? he asked Marshall.
“If I’m not aggressive enough, let me know,” she replied. “If I’m too aggressive, let me know.” In her experience, town leaders, for example, “Just want the problem fixed.”
Marshall’s appointment was effective on Tuesday.
