Tallahassee City Attorney Cassandra Jackson will be stepping down at the end of November and will remain as a city employee and consultant until June – assuming the city commission approves that plan next week. City Commissioner Jeremy Matlow says Jackson has been treated disrespectfully by the city’s top management.
Matlow says Assistant City Manager Wayne Tedder sent a text to the attorney of a developer involved in the Welaunee Heel project. It said Jackson “lacks credentials, knowledge and experience.” But Matlow says that’s not the first time Jackson has been disrespected by high-ranking city officials.
“The city management office has completely disregarded the city attorney both professionally and personally," Matlow said. "So, we see city managers conspiring with developers’ attorneys to undermine the legal guidance of the city attorney. That was completely inappropriate. I don’t know who would want to stay in a job where they’re treated with such disrespect just for being a professional. Just for trying to make sure we do the right thing.”
Jackson has worked at the city for 18 years, including two years as deputy city attorney prior to being appointed to her current post about five years ago. City officials haven’t refuted Matlow’s statements.
