South Strabane changes solicitor twice in 8 months
South Strabane solicitors of the past, present and future converged Tuesday as township officials voted for the second time in eight months to change their legal representation.
By a 3-2 vote, supervisors relieved attorney Jack Cambest of his duties, effective immediately, and appointed Dennis Makel at an hourly rate of $105.
Attorney Thomas Lonich, who was dismissed as the township’s solicitor in January when Cambest was appointed, was also present. Lonich was asked by supervisors during the meeting to act as the zoning hearing board’s solicitor, which Makel resigned when he accepted the township solicitor position. Lonich declined.
“I’m very disturbed with the action of the board,” said Chairman Jack Keisling, who, with Supervisor Bob Weber, voted against dismissing Cambest. “This is an unfortunate incident for the township.”
Cambest, solicitor for the city of Washington, faced several legal battles when he took the position in January, including a years-in-the-making amendment to the township’s oil and gas drilling ordinance and lawsuits from drilling companies. After being dismissed, he said he didn’t believe the action was a result of his performance.
“The township wants to go in a different direction,” he said. “They certainly have the right to do so.”
After retreating to a closed executive session for 20 minutes at the start of the meeting, solicitors did not provide a reason for the dismissal.
“(The solicitor) serves at the discretion of the board of supervisors,” said Supervisor Thomas Moore, who made the initial motion to relieve Cambest. “We’re not obligated to give a reason.”
During previous meetings, supervisors Laynee Zipko and Edward Mazur spoke about the charges from Cambest’s firm, Dodaro, Matta & Cambest. According to Zipko, fees from January through May 16 were more than $64,000, more than 80 percent of the township’s yearly budget for legal fees.
Makel, a South Strabane resident, is solicitor for the borough of East Washington and Canton Township. He will assist the township in updating its comprehensive plan and searching for a replacement for longtime manager, John Stickle, who plans to retire soon.