The Southern Standard, by Melissa Stover —
The firm of Galligan & Newman has been chosen by the McMinnville Board of Mayor and Aldermen to represent the city as its new legal counsel.
The vote was unanimous, 5-0, with Vice Mayor Patti Nunley abstaining because her daughter, Susan Marttala, works for Galligan & Newman.
City officials began their search shortly after the death of longtime City Attorney James Dempster, who passed away in August. Six applicants showed interest in the position. They included Marcy Adcock, Thomas Bratcher, Philip Clemons, Galligan & Newman, Steve Roller, and Lisa Zavogiannis.
While Bratcher withdrew his application before the interview process, the rest were enthusiastic about the opportunity.
“Before we vote on city attorney tonight, I would just like to say all these are good attorneys and we appreciate everyone who showed interest,” said Alderman Jimmy Bonner.
The firm of Galligan and Newman consists of Mike Galligan, Robert Newman, Marttala, and John Partin. According to Galligan, Marttala will serve as primary counsel for the city.
Marttala has been a member of the law firm for several years and has been working with the city in a legal capacity on an interim basis since Dempster’s death. Prior to that time, she served as District Attorney General for the 31st Judicial District in 1990. She was the district’s first attorney general, appointed by the governor when the district was formed.
Galligan said, with all four members combined, the firm has over 50 years experience practicing law. City officials said having four attorneys at their disposal is one of the main reasons for choosing Galligan & Newman. It’s their thinking this will always provide them with quick access to legal advice.