Neshannock Township solicitor Richard Harper has resigned.
Harper’s letter of resignation was received Tuesday at the township building. He has been the solicitor there since 1988.
Ed Stevens, supervisor chairman, confirmed the resignation Wednesday.
“He said he would stay on as a professional courtesy until we find someone to take over,” Stevens said.
On Monday, the supervisors unanimously voted to retain Harper as an interim solicitor to resolve pending legal matters.
No time limit was set, although the supervisors initially had discussed reappointing Harper as township solicitor for six months. At that point, DiCola cautioned the others that the township was involved “in significant litigation on a number of fronts.”
Replacing Harper, DiCola said, was not in the best interest of the township and could cost taxpayers as a new solicitor educates himself on the continuing litigation and other issues facing the township.
The supervisors also appointed Louis Perrotta as alternate township solicitor for $100 per hour. Harper had been paid $150 per hour by the township.
Since his election, Stevens said, he met with “three or four” attorneys who had expressed interest in serving as township solicitor. He said he met with Harper once in person and had several phone calls with him.
“He told me that he’d like to stay on for one more year,” Stevens said Wednesday.
Stevens, 48, said his term will last for six years. He said he’d like to establish a relationship with a solicitor his age, who will be with him through his term.
With Harper agreeing to remain “in the up-front months,” Stevens said he is meeting with attorneys who practice municipal law and live in the township.
He said he believes they “have a vested interest in the township’s success, since their tax dollars are paying their wages.”
Noting the township is involved in “10 to 12 lawsuits represented by Harper and other attorneys,” Stevens said he has asked Harper to provide a list of pending cases.
“I am learning to ask if there is any potential conflicts.”
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STEPPING DOWN: Neshannock Township solicitor Richard Harper resigns
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