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Vice President Kepple asked what experience Mr. Vargo has that will prepare him for the role of <br /> Law Director. <br /> Law Director Vargo mentioned that he has never been too political, which would help in the case <br /> of an emergency that would have him act as mayor. He was confident that as long as he can rely <br /> on a dedicated team, the city will be successful. <br /> Vice President Kepple pointed out that an appointee for law director must be a Lakewood <br /> resident. She asked Mr. Vargo about his experiences living in Lakewood. <br /> Law Director Vargo described his life in Lakewood over the past 19 years, making mention of <br /> his wife and three children. He explained that once he retired at his previous law firm, he knew <br /> he would want to do a type of community service like working for the city. <br /> Councilmember Baker questioned how Mr. Vargo's management style from working in a large <br /> firm would tie into working for the city. <br /> Law Director Vargo described his experience serving two successive terms, for a total of six <br /> years, on his previous law firm's policy committee. He was head of a team of up to five lawyers <br /> at a time for cases that would last six months. This experience gave him an appreciation for <br /> working with the collective judgement of a team. He explained that while he will be fully <br /> responsible for cases in Lakewood, he trusts the character of the clients in Lakewood as well as <br /> the City and Administration. <br /> Councilmember Baker asked how Mr. Vargo will approach a situation where Council and the <br /> Administration disagree. <br /> Law Director Vargo explained that he will be objective and give legal advice on both sides of a <br /> disagreement. It will be up to the client which way they would like to go forward with his legal <br /> advice. <br /> Councilmember Baker asked Mr. Vargo about his view on council and outside council. <br /> Law Director Vargo explained that the best talent and experience will be responsible for different <br /> issues. While the law department will be able to advise Council and the Mayor, outside council <br /> will also be trusted when appropriate. <br /> Councilmember Baker questioned Mr. Vargo's creativity in an event where a case has not moved <br /> in favor of a client. <br /> Law Director Vargo expressed that it is a job requirement to be as creative as possible to aid the <br /> client. <br /> Councilmember Marx asked Mr. Vargo about his experience in contract negotiations. <br /> 2 <br />