City to help with legal expenditures

By Meg Olson

Blaine city council has agreed to pick up the tab for three of the four individuals named in a conflict of interest lawsuit initiated by David White.

At their January 9 meeting council members voted unanimously to approve city legal representation for planning commission members Sue Sturgill and Brad O’Neill, and city council member Bruce Wolf. City attorney Jon Sitkin said city hearing examiner Roger Ellingson, named in the suit for his role on the city’s boardwalk committee, has decided to represent himself. “I think we have a responsibility in this,” said council member Charlie Hawkins.

White is alleging those named acted improperly when they participated in decisions regarding the city’s plans to build a boardwalk when they stood to benefit from the project.