Crestwood City Attorney Resigns, Newspaper Op-Ed Examines Potential City Charter Blunder

An editorial in Call newspapers, which is dated Sept. 12 but appeared online Tuesday evening, seems to have predicted the departure of ’s city attorney—sort of.

The editorial follows up on a reader’s question whether a contract issued to the city's last city adminstrator violated Crestwood's charter. The paper concluded that the city could have easily severed ties when  were it not for an 18-month contract. Instead, city attorney Robert J. Golterman between the city and Eastman. 

“The City Charter requires an annual audit of the city's finances and states no firm can perform the audit for more than five consecutive years. Given Golterman's less-than-stellar track record as city attorney, perhaps it's time aldermen apply the same principle for the city's legal counsel,” the editorial reads. 

The city’s longtime attorney announced at Tuesday’s Board of Aldermen meeting he would be voluntarily vacating the position at the end of this year.

Robert J. Golterman, of Lewis, Rice & Fingersh, said he notified Mayor Jeff Schlink of his intentions to leave on Sept. 7. Given that the city is , he hopes his announcement will “provide ample time” for the city to find his successor.

“This time frame will also ensure a smooth transition of legal services into 2013,” Golterman said. “Certainly if the process extends… I will continue as the city attorney until the replacement is appointed.”

Golterman said he's served the city in capacities as attorney and alderman for more than 20 years.

It is the second major staff departure this year after Eastman's departure in March. While no record exists of her resignation or dismissal, the former city administrator was , which remain in effect, according to previous Patch reports.