Allentown Communications Manager Genesis Ortega told me yesterday that Attorney John "Jack" Gross will be paid $50,000 if confirmed on Wednesday as Allentown's new Solicitor.
"You mean $150,000, right?"
"No, I said $50,000."
That's a pretty good deal for a very well-established attorney whose grandfather (also named Jack) and great-grandfather (Malcolm) both served the City as Mayor. In fact, Jack's father, another Malcolm, has written a riveting piece about "Jack's Five Years" as Allentown Mayor. It's no puff piece. He criticizes his father as much as he praises him. I came away from that realizing that elected officials should try top think 25-50 years ahead before deciding on any policy.
Gross was a little reticent to talk about his appointment, noting that it must be confirmed by City Council.
I suspect he will be unanimously confirmed.
Matt Kloiber was a full-time Solicitor, but Gross will continue the tradition of part-time Solicitors with established reputations. He told me that his firm, and not he, is Whitehall Township's Solicitor. He advised me that in event of a conflict, that matter can be handled by a conflicts counsel.
4 comments:
Your flimsy journalism shows here. You make it seems as though the new solicitor is a real bargain, but how does his part-time fee compare to part-time solicitors in similarly-sized jurisdictions?
My guess is that Allentown is getting a great bargain even if he only works 5 - 10 hours a week, the cost would be ridiculously low for qualified legal services. Plus, they might even be able to recoup some of his fees generated where there is a developers escrow account.
You get what you pay for. This is widely known.
I've been on the other side of the table from him on many matters over the years. If anyone doesn't think Jack Gross is a good lawyer they don't know what one looks like. He's a true professional.
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