Surprise City Council met this past Tuesday to swiftly take a vote that resulted in the acceptance of City Attorney Robert Wingo's resignation, effective come March 2. Wingo isn't a recent addition to the Surprise team; he's been serving since December 2013, when he started as Deputy City Attorney, then rose to Chief Deputy in April 2014, eventually to be appointed City Attorney in December 2015, according to a city press release.
The Special Meeting didn't just see the end of Wingo's tenure. It also set in motion the search for a successor. In what comes as a crucial task for the City Council, members directed a recruitment effort to immediately start, with expectations to find a new legal guide for the governmental body.
The role of City Attorney in Surprise is a pivotal one. Appointed by the City Council, the person in this position serves as the chief legal adviser to both the Council and the various City departments, as stated by the City of Surprise. Beyond advisory services, the City Attorney leads the charge, representing Surprise in any and all legal proceedings.
