Introduction to the Conflict
Fort Bend County Commissioners have voted to hire an outside law firm to assess the authority of the county attorney, Bridgette Smith-Lawson. This decision was made after months of disagreement between County Judge KP George and Smith-Lawson over the redistricting process. The vote was passed 3-2 along party lines, with Republicans voting in favor of hiring the law firm.
The Reason Behind the Vote
According to Precinct 3 County Commissioner Andy Meyers, a Republican, the reason for hiring the outside law firm is to seek clarification on the scope of the county attorney’s authority. Meyers stated that several attorneys disagree with Smith-Lawson’s determination of her authority, and the county is looking for a clear understanding of her role.
The Law Firm Chosen for the Task
The Randle Law Office has been chosen to evaluate the county attorney’s authority, with the county agreeing to pay up to $10,000 for their services. The law firm has represented several municipalities in Fort Bend County, including Rosenberg, Meadows Place, and others. However, the firm has also been involved in controversies, including a lawsuit filed by three Arcola city council members against the firm’s president, Grady Randle, and another attorney.
Background on the Controversy
The controversy surrounding the county attorney’s authority began during the redistricting process, when County Judge KP George and Smith-Lawson disagreed on the process. George had attempted to hire outside legal counsel to advise the commissioners court, which was met with backlash from Democrats, who accused him of trying to undermine Smith-Lawson’s authority.
Reaction from the County Attorney
Smith-Lawson has spoken out against the commissioners’ decision, stating that it is not their duty to hire outside counsel to check or grade her. She emphasized that she is responsible to the voters, not to the commissioners, and that her authority should not be questioned.
Conclusion
The decision to hire an outside law firm to evaluate the county attorney’s authority has sparked controversy and debate in Fort Bend County. While the commissioners claim that they are seeking clarification on the scope of the county attorney’s authority, Smith-Lawson and other Democrats see this as an attempt to undermine her authority. The outcome of this evaluation remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the relationship between the county attorney and the commissioners court will continue to be a topic of interest in the coming months.
