News Summary
Gastonia has appointed Eric Edgerton as the new City Attorney, succeeding Ash Smith after his nearly three-decade tenure. Edgerton brings significant experience from Asheville and aims to streamline legal services for the city. He believes his background in high-growth areas will be beneficial as Gastonia continues to expand. Edgerton is committed to community service and enhancing local governance, while also exploring recreational opportunities in the area.
Gastonia has officially welcomed Eric Edgerton as its new City Attorney, following the retirement of long-time attorney Ash Smith. Edgerton attended his first regular City Council meeting recently and brings with him a wealth of experience in municipal law, having served as the city attorney for Asheville for seven years and a member of the Woodfin Town Council.
Edgerton’s transition into this critical role comes as Gastonia is poised for continued growth. He believes that his experience in high-growth areas will enable him to effectively address the legal needs of the city. During his tenure in Asheville, he successfully handled various legal matters, including a notable case concerning a Confederate-era monument, demonstrating his litigation skills.
As one of Edgerton’s primary objectives, he aims to reduce legal service costs for smaller cities that often look outside for legal assistance. This approach could benefit Gastonia as it navigates urban development and expansion. He has extensive litigation experience, which further reinforces his confidence in the capabilities of Gastonia’s legal department.
Born and raised with a strong inclination towards community service, Edgerton graduated from George Washington University in 2014. He spent approximately four years in private practice before becoming Asheville’s city attorney. His career has been defined by a commitment to public service and a dedication to enhancing local governance.
The transition period saw Ash Smith complete his final council meeting on February 28, ahead of his retirement on March 1. Smith had been a significant figure in Gastonia, serving as city attorney for nearly three decades, one of the longest tenures in North Carolina. He began his career with the city in 1995 as a staff attorney, rising through the ranks to become deputy city attorney in 2000 and then city attorney in 2002. During his time in office, Smith was instrumental in downtown revitalization efforts and urban redevelopment projects initiated in 1999.
Notable projects under Smith’s leadership included the Franklin Sports and Entertainment District and CaroMont Health Park. Additionally, Smith played a key role in revising the city charter to allow longer election terms for council members and the mayor. He served on various local boards and was a member, even president in 2017, of the North Carolina Association of Municipal Attorneys.
In the interim between Smith’s retirement and Edgerton’s arrival, the city appointed Charles Graham, the Assistant City Attorney since January 2017, to serve as interim city attorney. Graham has a solid background in local government law, coming from his previous work with the Town of Ranlo and holding teaching and administrative licenses in North Carolina.
Edgerton has also begun exploring recreational opportunities in the area, highlighting Gaston County’s hiking and walking trails as an underrated attraction. He is expected to bring his family to Gastonia at the end of the month, including his wife Lauren and their 3-year-old daughter Maeve.
In related news, the city of Shelby is currently looking for a new staff attorney following the resignation of its longtime attorney, Bob Yelton, earlier this year. The changes in both Gastonia and Shelby mark a significant transition period in local government law for these municipalities.
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Additional Resources
- Gastonia Gazette: New City Attorney
- Wikipedia: Gastonia, North Carolina
- Gastonia Gazette: Interim City Attorney
- Google Search: Gastonia City Attorney
- Gastonia Gazette: City Attorney Retirement
- Google News: Gastonia
- Shelby Star: Seeking New Attorney
