Dear Editor:
Clearfield residents should be leery of that fact that F. Cortez “Chip” Bell was rehired as Clearfield Borough solicitor, and that the “personal circumstances” causing his resignation last January have conveniently reversed with the change in elected officials. Many of the legal problems the Clearfield Borough is facing are a direct result of Bell’s ineffectiveness as counsel, which has cost residents tens of thousands of dollars, with the tab still running. To illustrate, I cite three examples.
First, the struggles between former mayor Patty Gilliland and the Borough Council were the direct result of Bell giving each conflicting advice. As a result of the poor communication, the legal mess that was created cost the taxpayers money. Regardless of which side you were on in this debate, it was clearly Bell’s ineffectiveness as counsel that caused the problem, and the “personal circumstances” that caused him to abandon the situation rather than address it only exacerbated the problem.
Secondly, I point to the fact that the conflict of interest that existed while Bell was serving as both First Assistant District Attorney and counsel to the Clearfield Borough Police Department has led to several lawsuits being filed as a result of each others actions. Several officers have reported being forced to sign certain documents and do things against their will as directed by the Clearfield County District Attorney’s office under Bell’s watch. While these two law enforcement agencies are supposed to be independent, Bell’s dual role has eliminated the system of checks and balances that is in place to protect citizens and their rights.
Finally, while not as closely tied to his work as Clearfield Borough Solicitor, the recent ruling by a Federal Court granting Edward Hummel a new murder trial as a result of Bell’s ineffectiveness as counsel could cost Clearfield County taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars.
According to the Federal Court’s ruling, “Because Hummel’s conviction was tainted by his counsel’s (F. Cortez “Chip”
Bell) ineffectiveness, we will reverse the District Court’s order denying habeas relief and remand with direction that the District Court issue an order remanding this matter to the Pennsylvania state court to vacate Hummel’s conviction and, if the Commonwealth so requests, to determine whether Hummel is competent to be retried.”
This is a serious situation, to which Bell is fully responsible for.
To be clear, I am in full support of the new mayor, and believe he has a right to sound legal advice. History has shown that F. Cortez “Chip” Bell has not lived up to this task, and that Clearfield Borough should look elsewhere for such services.
Sincerely,
Derek A. Walker
Bigler