Apr. 20, 2023 3:30p
(WGTD)---The attorney who represents former Racine Alderman John Tate is denying that his client broke the law.
Tate was charged this week with one count of having a "private interest in a public contract while working in a public capacity."
The felony charge stems from Tate's apparent acceptance of an offer from the City of Racine to become the city's violence prevention coordinator. The problem is that Tate, as an alderman, voted to create the position in the first place.
In a statement, Attorney Pat Cafferty said that his client's actions "do not constitute a violation of the law."
After a couple of former aldermen raised questions about the arrangement last fall, the city announced it was reviewing its hiring procedures.
Some 20 people had applied for the position and three applicants, including Tate, were granted interviews.
There's no indication that Tate had actually begun to work for the city in the new role, much less collect a paycheck.
Tate is due in court May 11th.
A spokesman for the city had no comment on the case.
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