A Scomillio resignation might be an attempt to distance himself from Brown's disastrous first year in office. There have been mass retirements, brought on by unnecessary staffing shortages and Brown's unilateral decision to reduce health benefits. Scomillio defended sole-bid consultant contracts of questionable legality, and went along with budget for this year that is balanced by an illegal $20 million line of credit.
Scomillio's decision to fire an Assistant County Solicitor, over the phone from his car and just two days before Christmas, has just resulted in a $94,000 verdict against the County. A jury determined this employee's constitutional rights were violated. This has to hurt Scomillio's chances in a judicial race, at least among those who believe in following the Constitution.
Democrat Abe Kassis, an Assistant District Attorney, has already announced his intention to run. Another Democrat, Juvenile Court Master Sam Murray, is reportedly weighing his options as well.
