Griffin returns as Middletown attorney

MIDDLETOWN — J. David Griffin is once again the town’s attorney.

The Town Council on Monday night approved retaining Griffin as its legal counsel by a 5-0 vote.

Griffin was previously hired as town attorney in November 2011, but resigned after two months during a period of turmoil in the town government.

At the time, Griffin said the position “was not going to be a good fit.”

Mayor Charles Harbaugh IV said before Monday night’s meeting that he attributes Griffin’s desire to return to the fact that the town government is running more smoothly now.

He added that Middletown is updating its Comprehensive Plan and pursuing a boundary-line adjustment and needs an attorney for consultations about the matters.

Harbaugh said the town attorney is only summoned when legal questions arise.

Councilors John Copeland, Clarence “Trip” Chewning, Donna Gray, Carole Snyder and Thomas Simon approved retaining Griffin. Councilor Mary Shull was absent.

Griffin is a partner with the Winchester Law Group. He succeeds Stephen Butler of Winchester-based McKee & Butler PLC, who resigned Jan. 1, 2011, after advising Middletown on legal matters for 35 years.