I am somewhat concerned about this appointment after reading a different newspaper articule that indicated Conners had perhaps submitted the lowest bid. As we all should know by now, the full cost of a city attorney is measured by more than the monthly retainer. The litigation and emotional turmoil inflicted on the town by poor decision making can be far, far in excess of the difference of $9,800 that will be paid to Mr. Conners and the $11,000 that is currently paid. Certainly by my measure of cost of a city attorney, Furth cost this Town dearly. We have had two incredibly poor attorneys in a row in Furth and Hynes and I suppose the one positive statement that could be made about Mr. Conners is that it would be awfully hard for him to be worse. However, that is setting a very low bar and I truly hope we have selected a city attorney who can finally handle this town's legal affairs properly.

Having served on the Citizens' Selection Committee for the new Town Attorney I can assure you that the lowest bidder was also the most highly rated. His personal hands on experience includes 15 years as City Attorney for the City of Monterey and an additional nearly 11 years as Assistant City Attorney.

What the Town is getting is a highly experienced individual rather than a highly paid law firm.

I am confident that he will do a superb job.