Pat Ottinger, city-parish attorney since 2004, has announced his resignation from the post effective next month. City-Parish President Joey Durel, who praised Ottinger for bringing “a level of integrity, respect and a work ethic that I felt was important to this position,” will appoint Ottinger’s replacement; Durel’s choice must be approved by the City-Parish Council.
In a Monday press release announcing the departure, Ottinger says, “I have had the extreme pleasure of serving in this capacity since 2004. I believe that the administration and the council would be well served by a fresh face in this position. I greatly appreciate the opportunity to have served my community in the capacity as legal advisor to consolidated government for the past seven years. The directors and employees of Lafayette Consolidated Government are a competent, dedicated group of people whom it has been my privilege to serve as legal counsel. Lafayette is one of the most progressive, vibrant communities in our state, and I have enjoyed being a part of the significant progress enjoyed in our city and parish in that period of time. I have committed to Mr. Durel to continue to serve for as long as necessary to ensure an orderly and efficient transition to the new city-parish attorney, and to assist in any way necessary with regard to any matter currently pending.”
Ottinger has helped guide LCG over a series of legal hurdles during his tenure, most notably in Lafayette Utilities Systems’ battles to establish a telecom business. Currently, LUS Fiber is fighting to gain membership in the National Cable Television Coop through a petition with the Federal Communication Commission. Ottinger has also been a steady legal hand helping to guide the Lafayette Charter Commission in its deliberations — a role that will become even more critical as the commission approaches its April 21 deadline to submit a recommendation for future governance in Lafayette Parish.
Council Chairman Jay Castille also praised Ottinger’s service to the council and the community: “It saddens me to see Pat leaving. He has helped me tremendously getting through the learning process of this government. Pat has been an outstanding attorney for Lafayette Consolidated Government and this new council. He has reduced the legal fees and still got the work done. Pat has gained my respect and friendship. I want to thank him for his service and wish him the best of luck in the future.”
... written by The Original Northsidian , December 29, 2010 - 10:23 am
Good luck in your future Mr. Ottinger. You can be proud of the work you did for the City & Parish of Lafayette!
... written by northsidian shotgun , December 29, 2010 - 11:08 am
Pat Ottinger is departing and with him goes the only remmants of integrity which existed in the Lafayette Parish Administration. I'll give you one clue as to who will be named as Pat Ottinger's replacement, "ONE OF JOEYS CRONYS. "One for Allus, and One for allus. Joey's Mission Statement.
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