Earlier this year, the Bethel City Council hired a new city manager and city attorney, just before the COVID-19 pandemic took hold. While the city manager resigned six months into the job, the city council believes that it struck gold with its other hire.
In its Sept. 8 meeting, council members heaped praise onto City Attorney Elizabeth "Libby" Bakalar as they did her 6-month evaluation.
They commended Bakalar’s timely work, open communication with members, and thorough legal advice. Council member Alyssa Leary highlighted Bakalar’s recent analysis on the airport testing and mask mandate.
“I appreciate that you proceeded with caution with that, and that you recognize your place is to give counsel what our risks are, not to tell us what to do, and I never took it as that,” Leary said.
“I would just like to say, Libby, thank you,” said Mayor Perry Barr. “Thank you for all the things that you've done and, and for this community. I can't think of anything but positive accolades for you.”
Bakalar told the council that the role of city attorney has been a good fit for her as well, and said that she has no plans to leave.
