City attorney ends council work: After 14 years and four council presidents, city attorney Mike Piccolo, right, served his last day as legal adviser to the Spokane City Council last week. On Monday, City Council President Ben Stuckart, left, presented Piccolo with his placard, signed by current and former council members. Earlier this year, the council created a new legal adviser position, arguing that relying on legal advice from the mayor’s administration threatened the council’s independence, which led to Piccolo leaving the dais. (Colin Mulvany)
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City attorney ends council work: After 14 years and four council presidents, city attorney Mike Piccolo, right, served his last day as legal adviser to the Spokane City Council last week. On Monday, City Council President Ben Stuckart, left, presented Piccolo with his placard, signed by current and former council members. Earlier this year, the council created a new legal adviser position, arguing that relying on legal advice from the mayor’s administration threatened the council’s independence, which led to Piccolo leaving the dais.