Turmoil at MDC Over Legal Fees. Audit Committee Holds First Meeting in More Than Two Years Today.
The Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) held a special meeting on August 1st to discuss commissioners’ concerns over legal bills from James Sandler. Sandler has long been associated with the quasi-public agency that provides water and sewer services to Hartford and several surrounding towns. Between 2008 and 2021, Sandler’s firm, Sandler & Mara, has been paid $2.8 million by the MDC.
The discussion begins with MDC chairman William DiBella recusing himself due to a conflict. Sandler has represented him privately. A motion to refer questions about legal fees to the Internal Audit Committee prompted considerable debate. By a vote of 2/3 of the commissioners, debate ended abruptly–and then it didn’t. When a motion to call the passes, debate ends and the body proceeds immediately to a roll call. But this is the MDC. The presiding officer allowed the motion on which debate had just been halted to be amended twice.
The discussion on referring the issue to the audit committee raised an unexpected issue. It hasn’t met in more than two years and needs to elect a chairman and vice chairman when it meets this afternoon to begin its audit of legal bills. It will sort out the confusing question of who approves the legal bills submitted by outside counsel. The MDC has been traditionally been a voracious consumer of legal services.
Sandler has been invited to attend the meeting. Counsel has hired counsel. Raymond Hassett of Hassett and George contacted Chris Stone, the MDC’s house counsel. to let him know he is representing Sandler. Hassett included this aspiration and a warning that he was sure he did not need to offer but did just in case:
To my knowledge, neither Attorney Sandler, nor his representative, have been invited to discuss the billing. I trust the MDC will provide a fair, transparent and open process, consistent with law. We welcome the opportunity to participate to resolution.
I am sure I do not need to remind you that Attorney Sandler has provided counsel and guidance to the MDC for over 50 years. Dispute of the firm’s services is highly disturbing and suggests an ulterior motive/agenda(s). We are prepared to respond to any claims by the MDC or its agents, as needed and afforded by law.
Interested members of the public may join the meeting by dialing (415)-655-0001 and using Access Code: 43808661#. Here’s a link to the Webex video.
Published August 4, 2022.