STATEMENT FROM MAYOR JEFF SMITH

Based on the following events I’m compelled to respond.

On Wednesday, September 6, the morning after our last Council Meeting, I received notification
there was a public social media post that said, “Watertown City Lawyer Todd Bullard has been
fired.” That same day WWNY TV 7 aired a report that said Councilman Cliff Olney “expects a
resolution in the next couple weeks, asking for a vote for a new city attorney.” Additionally, I was
contacted by the Watertown Daily Times. The Times reported that Councilman Olney referred to
executive session discussions relating to his displeasure with legal advice from Attorney
Bullard. I will not be surprised if Councilman Olney tells us he also has a law degree. Where he
obtained it, I don’t know—nor do I know what state he has been admitted to practice law.
Mr. Olney is making false statements when quoted by the Watertown Daily Times in the
September 8, 2023 article when he says “He (Mr. Bullard) was brought in to represent Jeff
Smith, not me and not the whole council.” Harris Beach was hired at the recommendation of
Councilwoman Ruggiero with Olney voting yes. Again, Mr. Olney is improperly referencing and
disclosing executive session in the Times article.
Mr. Olney’s statements show a bias against Harris Beach law firm and specifically against one
partner in that firm. He shows favoritism toward another law firm in a pending procurement
process. Mr. Olney’s actions discredit the RFP process.
I can state with certainty though that the legal firm Harris Beach and attorneys Todd Bullard and
Justin Miller have been very professional, knowledgeable, and objective while representing the
city. These attorneys have worked with city staff in a manner that is both responsive and
professional. They have also tried to help maintain decorum at meetings, followed the rules of
Council and responded to Council Members’ phone calls, emails and requests for information.
It is abundantly clear to me that Council allies Olney and Ruggiero are not happy with the letter
of inquiry I recently sent to Mr. Lundy and Mr. Simao regarding important golf course transaction
closing documents. Furthermore, it is clear to me that Councilwoman Ruggiero and Councilman
Olney have concerns about my wanting answers to questions regarding these golf transaction
closing documents that were not disclosed to the City. Unfortunately, Mr. Lundy and Mr. Simao
chose not to explain these issues to City Council.
Additionally, my emails to council have been shared with Mr. Lundy’s attorney. Executive
session material has been shared with Mr. Lundy’s attorney as well.
Mr. Olney’s conduct is embarrassing and a disgrace to the city. The City Manager almost
resigned due to Mr. Olney’s actions. Olney’s continued actions will cause other firms, vendors
and potential employees to decline to work with or for the city.
Given these executive session violations and violations of Council Members’ oaths, I will be
making a referral to the ethics board regarding this matter.