THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, February 17, 1995 TAG: 9502160104
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TONI WHITT, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: PORTSMOUTH LENGTH: Short : 39 lines
City Attorney Stuart E. Katz has resigned to pursue a career in mediation and dispute settlement.
His resignation, which was announced late Monday night at the end of a City Council meeting, is effective Feb. 28.
Katz has been the city attorney for the past five years and has worked in that office for 18 years. He said he is quitting to begin his own business in dispute settlement.
Vice Mayor Johnny M. Clemons said the council did not get a ``detailed explanation'' of why Katz resigned but added, ``I don't think there was any problem.''
Councilman Cameron C. Pitts, however, noted that the council and Katz had ``differing philosophies.''
``The council had one direction in mind, and I don't think the city attorney was comfortable with that,'' Pitts said. ``I'm sure it's chaotic to try to make seven people happy. All appointees have that stress to live through and deal with. I'm glad that he was able to work it out so that everybody was on friendly terms. I wish him all the best in everything he tries to do.''
City Manager V. Wayne Orton called Katz a ``fine city attorney.''
``He served bravely in the last five years,'' Orton said. ``I'm saddened at his decision, but I have accepted it.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Stuart E. Katz
City attorney for five years
by CNB