Letters: Major conflict-of-interestif Sanches wins clerk race

In my capacity as city attorney, a number of citizens of Crescent City have asked me how it can be that the law allows Sanches to be a candidate for city clerk while still maintaining a $1 million lawsuit against the city. They wonder whether holding the office of city clerk, a keeper of the city's records, isn't inconsistent with the role of claimant against the city treasury.

Now Sanches' attorney, Abe Goldman, is representing another $1 million claimant against the city treasury. Adding in attorney fees, these two cases seek the equivalent of at least $500 from every man, woman and child in Crescent City.

What would be the posture of Sanches were she to become city clerk when called upon to assist in the city's defense? Or what would be her posture when her private attorney, Mr. Goldman, calls upon her for help and information?

The question of whether the city will continue to defend these cases or will simply settle them for an unknown sum depends on who is elected to the City Council. A new Council majority, consisting of Sanches' three-member ticket, would have complete authority to settle these cases in closed session.

Although nothing prevents Sanches from running for the clerk's job, if she is elected there will be major conflict-of-interest issues that will have to be addressed. This would need to be one of the new Council's top priorities.

Robert Black

Crescent City