Mike Fitzpatrick is New Solicitor

Fitzpatrick named school board solicitor

[UPDATED May 7, 2008 3:30 P.M. Kate Fratti mentions this in her blog. I don't really agree with the sentiment, but I agree it's unfortunately a real and viable option. I still prefer the smaller district. That's what brought me and my family here in the first place.]

Former Republican Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick, an attorney with Begley Carlin and Mandio in Middletown, is the newest solicitor for the Morrisville School Board.

Fitzpatrick, a Middletown resident and former county commissioner, will replace Thomas Kelly of Media.

Kelly represented a prior school board, which had begun moving forward with plans to construct a new high school despite public outcry. The new board majority, which took office in December nixed that plan and recently defeased the bond lined up to pay for it.

Although this will be Fitzpatrick’s first time as a school board solicitor, the firm has a long tradition in that arena. Currently, it represents Bristol, Neshaminy, Bensalem, Centennial and Central Bucks school districts.

In 2006, Fitzpatrick lost his 8th district congressional seat to Democrat Patrick Murphy, and was expected to challenge Murphy to regain it this year. Instead, Fitzpatrick expressed interest in running against Democratic State Rep. Chris King. Not long after his announcement, Fitzpatrick declined saying a family health consideration demanded he stay closer to home. He returned to practice law full time after 12 years.

Other candidates for the solicitorship included Karen Quinn of Steif Gross Sagoskin Gilman and Classetti and Harry Glosser, a Morrisville attorney and former school board director.

Board members said they were counting on Fitzpatrick’s political connections and legislative experience to guide their way as they decide how to maintain or reorganize the small and financially beleaguered school system.

The law firm Curtin and Heefner recently finished its review of the district’s contract with school Superintendent Elizabeth Yonson. Some board members have expressed interest in reducing the duration of that 5-year agreement. No details of the Curtin and Heefner review have been released to the public yet.

So, what’s next?

Good luck Kate! I've been asking that question for months now.

Here's hoping you have better luck.

So, what’s next

Word is the Morrisville School Board is considering hiring a new person to serve as facilities director for the district. It’s unclear whether the current maintenance supervisor would keep his job.

Friday the board will meet at 6:30 p.m. at the high school to hire a new solicitor. And then, there’s the superintendent’s job. Beth Yonson’s contract was sent out for review to the law firm of Curtin and Heefner last month. No official word on whether that review has been completed. Yonson has a five-year deal with the district. School board majority members have indicated they’d like that changed.

Thoughts?

Posted by Kate Fratti at 3:02 pm |