Pirrello Hints At Charter Violation In City Attorney Search

While it is unclear if it will rise to the point of an official inquiry that could reopen the question of impeachment, an Ellisville City Councilman is suggesting all is not on the up and up with the city's search for a new city attorney.

Among the firms who submitted requests to be considered  for the position after the city council voted to dismiss Paul Martin was the firm Pleban & Petruska. Chet Pleban has represented Mayor Adam Paul throughout the protracted saga which included impeachment and a successful appeal in circuit court, and still includes a suit filed against city officials.

Ward 1 Councilman Matt Pirrello told KMOX Radio, “There’s probably a charter violation in there somewhere, in that Adam Paul had a conversation with Chet Pleban long before there was an application. I don’t think that’s appropriate,” he said. Patch could not reach Pirrello for comment Tuesday.

Paul has told Patch that he was surprised to see Pleban's firm enter the fray for the position but that he would "hire Chet in a heartbeat."

City Council members are expected to interview prospective attorneys in the coming weeks.