City Manager Chuck Strome has selected Mark Blanchard to serve as the new Corporation Counsel for the City of New Rochelle, replacing Kathleen Gill, who accepted a position at Iona College late last year.
From the press release: “Mr. Blanchard has an extensive background in municipal law, including the operations of state and local industrial development agencies. Mr. Blanchard has previously served as senior counsel to the firm of Harris Beach PLLC, within their Municipal Law and Public Finance practice groups. Prior to joining Harris Beach, Mr. Blanchard served in the Office of the Corporation Counsel of the City of Yonkers. Mr. Blanchard has been involved in a wide range of municipal law issues including land-use and environmental matters, civil defense litigation, and special assignments involving labor and employment issues, code enforcement, and licensing agreements between the City of Yonkers and local businesses.”
The Corporation Counsel provides legal advice and guidance to the Council and staff across the full spectrum of municipal responsibilities, making it among the most important positions in City Hall, demanding intelligence, good judgment, and the highest ethical standards. If you watch Council meetings, the Corporation Counsel sits immediately to my left around the conference table and is often a key participant in Council deliberations.
It was a pleasure to work with Kathleen Gill, and I am looking forward to working with Mark Blanchard. Thanks also to Deputy Corporation Counsel Brian Powers, who served on an interim basis during the selection process.