BRADENTON — Rumors that Manatee County Attorney Bill Clague would resign have been rampant over the past week. On Tuesday, Clague put the rumors to rest when he publicly announced that he would be stepping down in March.
"After 20 very good years at the county, with two as chief assistant and three as county attorney, I do intend to move on in a few months and go back to the private sector," Clague told commissioners from the dais near the end of Tuesday's commission meeting.
"I am very grateful for the years I've had here and for the relationships that I've had, certainly with the people in my office and Mr. Bishop and his staff and with you as elected officials. But, for me and my own personal career goals, 20 years in government is enough."
Clague said that he had met individually with commissioners near Thanksgiving to make them aware of his intentions and that he intends to leave "on or around the 8th of March."
Mr. Clague told commissioners that he would make himself available to aid in the process to whatever degree they felt comfortable and that he recommended they begin the process of seeking a replacement over the holidays. He added that his individual conversations conveyed the notion that board members did not want to go with a search firm and preferred to seek someone with local ties, a strategy he said he agreed with.
One by one, the seven board members praised Clague for his excellent work and professionalism, particularly during the turbulence of the past three years in which all seven members were elected or appointed.
The board voted unanimously to direct the county administrator and the HR department to commence the process of advertising the position.
7 comments on this item
Only paid subscribers can comment
Please log in to comment by clicking here.
Charlene
Go protect your license, Clague.
Tuesday, December 12, 2023 Report this
Debann
Good luck Clague...I'm sure you had your hands full with a BOCC that really didn't want to heed your advice or take direction..Seems like this BOCC knows more then you, I mean really your only their attorney...Vanessa didn't even listen to your advice and went against your direction...WORST BOCC EVER. .best of luck in your endeavors,I'd leave this HUGE DYSFUNCTIONAL BOCC TOO.. ..
Tuesday, December 12, 2023 Report this
kmskepton
At least the commissioners aren't pretending to do a real search for his replacement. They will just ask their "bosses" (and hint: that is not the constituents) who they should hire.
Wednesday, December 13, 2023 Report this
Cat L
I wouldn't want to be the lawyer responsible for reigning in that crew, either.
Wednesday, December 13, 2023 Report this
David Daniels
As the actual decision maker for Public Records requests, the County Attorney was aware, and ignored the fact Manatee violated, and Van Ostenbridge continues to violate, Public Records law by not saving text messages - (See active court case 2022-CA-3276, which is going to cost taxpayers thousands of $)In fact, as the defacto head of Public Records, the County Attorney has allowed the Public Records dept to be an arm of the executive branch instead of blindly following the letter of the law. The County Attorney provided cover for the intentional withholding of public records in my public records lawsuit against the County (See 2021-CA-4671). In the county's decision to reverse the puppy mill ban, the Cunty attorney FALSELY claimed the ban's legality was doubtful, when, in fact, puppy mill ban have been resoundingly upheld by Florida courts, other Fl county courts, other State courts, and Federal courts. No puppy mill ordinance has EVER lost in court. When KVO violated ethics laws by using public funds for a non-public purpose, Clague was out of line in acting as KVO's personal defense attorney. His job is to be the Board's attorney, not any single member accused of violating the law. All that being said, there is no doubt this crooked mafia board will find an even more crooked Consigliere.
Wednesday, December 13, 2023 Report this
jimandlope
I think Rudy Giuliano is available after his trial in Georgia. He would fit in well with this current commission and I understand he needs money. Jim Tierney
Wednesday, December 13, 2023 Report this
GLEN GADFLY GIBELLINA
Clague on several occasions has given misleading opinions on many subject matters. Bad advice on sunshine statues. He was around when this BOCC mess happened. After other commissioners refused to reimburse her for the settlement and her legal expenses, DiSabatino sued the county and Assistant County Attorney Robert Eschenfelder. Eschenfelder later resigned and was dropped as a defendant. I think I’ve got my point across that I’ve been harmed by Manatee County and county attorneys.” I am surprised no one has filed a FL Bar complaint. Not to be issued mandatory county cell phones is just one of many he could of suggested to be in compliance of county business when recorded requests for phone text and calls. Looks like we have our own weaponize legal department. Private practice.... We will probably see him again in the dais as the attorney for one of the big developers.
Wednesday, December 13, 2023 Report this