Mayor Bing Needs to Call Security and Escort City Attorney Out of Building

Mayor Dave Bing is right to want to fire city attorney Krystal Crittendon.

He was wrong to wait so long.

As one of my colleagues mentioned in conversation, Bing should have fired the head of Corporation Counsel (pictured here) long ago when she started challenging the consent decree. He could have had security escort her out.

In all likelihood, she would have sued. Whatever, she would have gotten from a lawsuit would have been far less than the money and dignity she has cost the city with her shenanigans when she filed a lawsuit challenging the consent agreement with the state. A judge last week dismissed the suit, saying she had no legal standing unless directed by the mayor.

Now, Bing has asked her to resign. Guess what? She’s refusing to go. She claims she was acting in the best interest of the city. Hard to believe.

Crittendon has been hiding behind the city charter, which was changed to give her added protections from being dismissed. It shields the city attorney from the whims of petty politics. Firing her requires six votes on the city council.

Guess what? There apparently aren’t enough votes on the city council to make that happen even though the majority of members backed the mayor on the consent agreement.

That only makes Bing look all the weaker. 

He should go to council and twist arms. Make it happen.

If that doesn’t work, it’s time to fire her. Sure, that will create some major legal headaches. Sure that will violate the charter. But she’ll be gone.

And that’s good for the citizens.

Isn’t that who it’s really all about.