The most interesting part of the story thought to me is where Council President Blanchard suggesting he has been advised the Council can hire the study without the approval of the Commissioners. Is this an opening, a possible break in the current stranglehold by the Commissioners?
The question has left county officials divided and bitter. County Attorney John Dull said the 16 county judges have the ultimate authority about whether the courts should move or stay. He said the judges should express their opinions publicly to end the debate.
"They need to vote and give the media the results of the vote so people can't hide behind cloaks," Dull said.
Blanchard said he has received legal advice indicating the council has the authority to hire a consultant to do the study, without the commissioners' approval, but he prefers to have them on board. Two branches of county government want to move in this direction. I'm not giving up, but I'm not going around them either," he said.
