Priestly Jackson also asked Teal about his decision to seek pay raises for several employees of the Office of General Counsel including an attorney Teal has been dating.
The top attorney's ruling can affect the balance of power between the mayor, City Council, the independent authorities and the Duval County School Board.
City Council members Randy DeFoor and Garrett Dennis also voted against Teal's confirmation. DeFoor questioned Teal about the Burr Forman letter. Dennis said he wasn't comfortable moving forward when the City Council's legislative services division had not reached out to other parts of city government inviting them to give feedback on the appointment as required by the council's own rules.
The Office of General Counsel has faced criticism for years that its legal positions are too influenced by the mayor.
The legislative services division will be making that outreach. Newby said he will introduce an ordinance at the Tuesday meeting that would replace the resolution. By having an ordinance up for an emergency vote, there would be a public hearing for comments about the appointment of Teal.
City Council committee meetings will NOT be held the week of November 29, 2021 - December 3 , 2021. The regularly scheduled Council meeting cycle will resume with Standing Committee meetings on Monday, December 6, 2021.
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