The atmosphere was tense as the Tallahassee City Commission took up City Attorney Cassandra Jackson’s resignation Wednesday. Commissioner Jeremy Matlow has been arguing publicly that Jackson was treated disrespectfully by the city’s top management.
The commission unanimously approved Jackson’s plan to remain in her post until November 24th and to stay as an employee and consultant until June. Mayor John Dailey, Mayor Pro Tem Dianne Williams-Cox and Commissioner Curtis Richardson each praised Jackson.
“Cassandra, I have thoroughly enjoyed working with you,” said Dailey.
“Dignity…poise…classy…smart…intelligent…and heartfelt. All of those and so many more describe who you are,” said Williams-Cox.
“…the professionalism and the work that you have done representing the city of Tallahassee, our commission,” said Richardson.
But Matlow felt the comments were disingenuous.
“Forgive me in advance – I’m not going to go along with the charade that’s being played out here," he said. "Ms. Jackson, you’ve served so honorably. How do you serve honorably in a government that doesn’t value honor?”
Last week, Matlow posted on social media about a text Assistant City Manager Wayne Tedder sent to a developer's attorney, saying Jackson lacks “credentials, knowledge and experience.”
Now he’s worried about who the commission majority will choose to replace Jackson.
“We’re going to have a conversation about who should step in and fill this role. It’s a difficult role," he said. "Where do we go from here? But my question is going to be: Are we going to be looking for an attorney that gives us legal advice based on the law? Or are we going to be looking for an attorney that will turn a blind eye to the advice our current attorney has given us?”
The commission directed the city’s HR department to begin a search for Jackson’s successor and tapped Deputy City Attorney Amy Toman in the interim role.
