The Dallas City Council voted on Wednesday to appoint a new city attorney months after former City Attorney Chris Caso announced his retirement.
Tammy Palomino, who has served as interim city attorney since Caso retired from his position in February, was officially appointed to fill the vacancy via a resolution approved during Wednesday’s city council meeting.
Council Member Carolyn King Arnold of District 4 spoke prior to the vote to voice her support for Palomino’s appointment.
“Understand the importance of having someone at the helm who is qualified and certified to lead us in this arena. So I do support her wholeheartedly, but it is not just because of the fact that she is a woman,” said Arnold.
“I’ve watched her. I’ve worked with her. She is very strong in her field. She is very confident in who she is and her ability to lead us in the legal arena.”
Council Member Adam Bazaldua of District 7 expressed a similar opinion and said he was “extremely happy with this decision.”
“Tammy has been not only an incredible asset to our city, but I’ve also really enjoyed watching the motivation from the amazing attorneys that we have in the city attorney’s office,” he said. “It speaks a lot to her leadership, and I am excited to see you at the helm.”
After the council voted unanimously to approve Palomino’s appointment, she thanked the council members for the confidence they expressed in her office.
“We have an amazing group of attorneys who are very dedicated to this city and do an amazing job. So without them, I wouldn’t be here, and we all appreciate your support very, very much,” she said.
This appointment follows Caso’s retirement as city attorney in February, which he unexpectedly announced just a week before his January performance review.
In an email sent to Mayor Eric Johnson and the city council, Caso cited his desire to “spend more time with my family and pursue other interests,” The Dallas Express reported.