HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif.—The city council voted 5–2 on July 5 to put on the November ballot a measure that would give the council control over all legal matters concerning the city. The change to the city charter would include the power to “contract with other attorneys if the city attorney has a conflict of interest,” according to the measure.
If the measure is approved, the city would be the “client” effectively hiring the city attorney as counsel.
The council also decided not to put on the ballot a measure to make the position, and that of city clerk, appointed by the council, instead of elected by voters. Huntington Beach is the only city in Orange County in which the city attorney is an elected position….