A short conversation between the Cook County Board of Commissioners and County Attorney Tim Scannell on June 18, 2013 appeared to set things in order between them a week after the board expressed frustration with Scannell for contracting out for a special assistant county attorney without letting them know ahead of time.
Commissioner Jan Hall opened the conversation with a statement about needing the services of an assistant county attorney to prosecute cases in the absence of Assistant County Attorney Molly Hicken, who is out on family leave after the birth of twins.
Attorney Scannell offered his apologies for not thinking about the fact that the board would want a “heads up” on the decision. His office has contracted with outside counsel before, he said, but he realized this was a different situation because the attorney on contract would be physically in the office this time.
Commissioner Heidi Doo-Kirk indicated that it would have been helpful to have known ahead of time that there would be “a new face” in the courthouse but said she knows they need the help.
Commissioner Garry Gamble said they like to stay informed on what’s going on but concurred with Doo-Kirk about the county attorney’s office needing extra help right now.
Attorney Vernon D. Swanum of Duluth will be prosecuting cases while Hicken is out of the office. He formerly served as prosecutor for St. Louis County.
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