4 people apply for Albert Lea city attorney
Published 9:09 am Monday, August 25, 2008
Four people and five firms have applied for the Albert Lea city attorney position, which is being vacated by City Attorney Steve Schwab, City Manager Victoria Simonsen said Thursday.
Schwab will be seated as the new Freeborn County District Court judge on Sept. 2. He has worked as the Albert Lea city attorney since 1989.
Simonsen said city staff are busy finalizing the questions for interviews, and they will continue accepting applications even during the interview process.
Staff are recommending that during the interim period — between when Schwab is seated on the bench to when the new attorney will begin — the Freeborn County attorney’s office will take on the city’s criminal cases. Lawyer Amy Wasson will take on the city’s civil cases through an independent contract.
Simonsen said the county has indicated it will provide interim criminal representation for two months without any charge. If it has to provide further services, it will be through a contract.
The interim services will be voted on at the Monday City Council meeting.