City Attorney Elbert Jefferson Jr. was escorted out of City Hall this afternoon, according to multiple sources in City Hall.
Jefferson's forced exit came only hours after Mayor Pro Tem Myron Lowery asked for his resignation. Jefferson later refused Lowery's request.
In a press conference following his swear-in, Lowery said he had offered Jefferson the opportunity to step down with a generous severance package and the ability to stay on and advise on a temporary basis.
"He declined to accept that," Lowery said, adding that by this time "he may have left the building.
Lowery has named Veronica Coleman-Davis, the U.S. attorney for the western district of Tennessee from 1993 to 2001, to head of the city's legal department. The appointment will require approval of the City Council, which meets Tuesday.
Jefferson, 45, was elevated to the city's top legal spot in 2007, after serving as deputy city attorney since 2002. He replaced city attorney Sara Hall.
Jefferson's relationship with the City Council has been tumultuous at times, with many council members expressing skepticism over Jefferson's legal interpretations. There has been speculation Lowery would immediately replace Jefferson.
Lowery said today that he asked for the attorney to step down because "I feel we need better leadership in the legal department of this city."
"The legal department has almost been a black hole for dollars," he said. "I think we spend too much money on attorney fees, I think our city attorney has allowed this to happen without adequate controls on this. I'm looking for strong controls."
DAMN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Excellent,Primo decision, Jefferson was doing Willie's bidding and all of his rulings were in favor of Willie.
I have always thought that the city spends too much money on outside lawyers. Why do we have a city legal department if they are not gonna' do the work and just collect their salaries and who knows what else.
There are a few more that Lowery needs to remove. It's a shame he can't get rid of some on the Council right now. Did you heard me Brown,Ware,Halbert and good ol' Fulloyouknowwhat?
I think he could sue the city for that. As I always say, "those who can't do... We just sue, sue, sue!"
Now, Mr. Mayor, when are you and the Council going to get rid of Allan Wade??? Talk about bilking the taxpayers out of big bucks..........