Council Meets on Masry Bid to Oust City Attorney

After more than 90 minutes of spirited comments from the public, the City Council met behind closed doors Tuesday to determine the fate of longtime City Atty. Mark Sellers.

Councilman Ed Masry initiated a plan to oust Sellers after the men sparred over a land swap that Masry said unfairly favored developers.

Although the private session was originally Masry’s idea, he suggested postponing it to ensure that the city followed proper procedure if it decided to terminate Sellers.

But Councilman Dennis Gillette persuaded two council members--Mayor Dan Del Campo and Andy Fox--to move ahead on the matter.

“Accusations have been made. Clouds have been formed over our city employees. We need to clear the air on this matter,” Gillette said.

As of late Tuesday, the council had not announced a decision.

Before the council moved into a private meeting room, about 150 residents packed the council chamber. Three dozen residents spoke on the matter with about a 5-to-1 ratio in support of Sellers.

Supporters included former elected officials, developers, residents and a taxpayer advocate. Many accused Masry of everything from buying his way into office to using sensational courtroom tactics during meetings to abusing power reminiscent of Julius Caesar.

Environmentalists and residents who had tangled with city staff over development defended Masry.