Duarte : City Attorney Job Reopened

The City Council, which appointed former Councilman James Coughlin city attorney in May, is reconsidering its decision and will re-interview two or three former candidates for the job on Tuesday. The council has not signed a contract with Coughlin, and there has been some question about whether he would be paid on an hourly basis or through a monthly retainer.

Mayor John Van Doren refused to comment on the unusual situation, saying that he could not publicly discuss personnel decisions. Van Doren said he hoped the matter would be resolved so a decision could be announced immediately after the interviews Tuesday.

Coughlin, who had served on the council for 19 years, resigned in April to be considered for the position of city attorney, which became open when William Camil resigned.