Judge refuses to bar Norfolk councilman from job

Posted to: News Norfolk
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By Michelle Washington
The Virginian-Pilot
© December 18, 2008

NORFOLK

A judge refused on Thursday to bar Vice Mayor Anthony L. Burfoot from serving as the city’s chief deputy treasurer.

Burfoot began work for Treasurer Thomas Moss Jr. last week. He and Moss were both named in court papers filed by John Wesley Hill on Tuesday afternoon.

Hill’s filing said serving as an elected official and a paid employee at City Hall constituted a conflict of interest.

Circuit Judge Everett A. Martin Jr. denied Hill’s request for an injunction, but said he could amend his complaint and re-file it within 21 days. Hill said after the hearing that he planned to do so.

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Blind to the conflict of interest

Submitted by Citizen23505 on Sat, 12/20/2008 at 11:16 am.

The judge who ruled on this case was appointed by Tom Moss when he was Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates. Even if that were not the case, these judges hold on to their judgeships at the pleasure of the Virginia Legislature. The whole system is in favor of the politicians. Only we, the people, can change the system.

Wow!!

Submitted by terrik on Thu, 12/18/2008 at 10:32 pm.

How is it that just plain 'ol folk can see that this is, or at least smells like a conflict of interest, while Burfoot and this judge cannot?

The fact is that this "appointment" gives the appearance of impropriety. Burfoot should just do the right thing and resign from something.

But I won't be holding my breath.

One or the other Burfoot

Submitted by asnerj on Thu, 12/18/2008 at 4:59 pm.

It just shows the absolute disregard for for a conflict of interests. It needs to move further in the courts. Burfoot needs to remove himself as one or the other