Lynchburg City Council censures two aldermen after violating attorney-client privilege

LYNCHBURG, Va. – Tensions ran high at Tuesday’s special Lynchburg City Council meeting when council members Marty Misjuns and Jeff Helgeson were censured by a 4-3 vote.

“What we’re seeing here is, quite frankly, an abuse of power,” Misjuns said.

“This is nothing but division and divisiveness,” Helgeson said.

The resolution accuses Misjuns and Helgeson of violating the attorney-client privilege and defaming the character and reputation of City Attorney Matt Freedman.

“If you believe it is appropriate to violate the attorney-client privilege, then vote against this resolution,” said Vice Mayor Chris Faraldi.

The council spent nearly two hours debating the resolution.

“All I’m saying is this council is really dysfunctional and it’s really holding us back from doing business and governing our city,” Councilwoman MaryJane Dolan said.

As part of the censure, Misjuns will be fined an amount equivalent to two months’ salary of a council member, while Helgeson will face a fine equivalent to one month’s salary.

Furthermore, Freedman is no longer required to answer directly to either Misjuns or Helgeson.

You can find the full text of the adopted resolution here.