Read the New Hampshire take on Roanoke’s new city attorney
Dan Callaghan
When Dan Callaghan was named earlier this month as the new Roanoke city attorney, his family ties to City Manager Chris Morrill drew a lot of attention (including from us here at the Blue Ridge Caucus).
But there are at least two sides to every story. And that’s especially the case for a lawyer hired from New Hampshire and moving to a new job in Virginia. And the New Hampshire Union Leader in Manchester published its version a few days ago.
Actually, the Union Leader’s story is not so different from ours, only it has the added benefit of an increased familiarity with Callaghan’s work in Manchester and other localities in New Hampshire. Here’s an excerpt:
Callaghan and his wife, Clare, each come from large families and have siblings in Virginia and North Carolina. The couple has anticipated eventually retiring to North Carolina.
With their only child established in a career, Callaghan and his wife of 32 years decided it was time for something other than law firm life.
“It works on many levels,” Callaghan said.
The Roanoke job first came up in a casual mention by Callaghan’s brother-in-law, Chris Morrill, who has been Roanoke’s city manager for the past two years. What began as a joking comment became serious after a headhunter entered the picture.
“Roanoke indicated it had retained a national search firm looking for someone with prior experience in commercial and public areas, similar to stuff I have done,” Callaghan said. “Municipalities, like other clients, deal with development issues and all sorts of commercial matters.”
Callaghan’s legal work has concentrated on bankruptcy and commercial development. Among his clients are the companies that own and operate Rockingham Park in Salem, Yankee Greyhound Park in Seabrook and a cooperative insurance pool for cities, towns, school districts and counties.
He has also been an advocate for preservation of historic properties in the city, providing volunteer legal services to both the Manchester Historical Society and the state Preservation Alliance.
There’s more at the link.
– Mason Adams
July 31, 2012 - 11:45 AM
Well, if he worked in the bankruptcy field, he will fit right in with Roanoke City.