The Council also tables a motion appointing Peterson contingent on Corcoran's removal, and fails to take action on a motion to dismiss Corcoran outright.

The previously passed motion appointing Peterson contingent on Corcoran's resignation expired, at midnight when Corcoran refused to resign. Thus the independents have successfully blocked Peterson.

The meeting is repeatedly hampered because of lack of advice on the legality of the proceedings. City Solicitor Philip J. Cronin '53, who had been informed of the meeting, was "out on a boat" according to Danehy.

July 26--Mayor Ackermann accuses five City Council members--Owens and the four independents--of playing games and holding the city up to ridicule," after the five vote to adjourn the Council within 30 minutes for the second consecutive night."

Owens says he will not attend any Council meetings where Cronin is not present.

"We conduct most of our meetings without the City Solicitor." Ackermann responds. "It seems to me this group is using Bobby Fisher tactics with Bobby Fisher's brains."

Cronin is currently on his one week annual vacation sailing of the coast of Maine. His two assistants also say they were unavailable to attend the Council meetings.

August 2--The five CCA endorsed councillors pass a preliminary motion to dismiss Corcoran, but for of the five say they will not vote for final removal if Corcoran's successor appears to be Johnson.

"We have no intention of voting for Mr. Johnson for City Manager or of being parties to the final removal of John Corcoran so that Mr Johnson can be voted in by others," says a statement issued by Ackermann,. Duehay, Graham and Moncreiff.

"Peterson is the consensus candidate of the reform movement, Moncreiff says. "Owens must show he is a member of the team."

"I am not a member of that team Owens answers.

Prior to the manager debate, the Council quizzes Cronin on his absence from the previous week's Council hearings.

"It's none of your business when I got back from vacation," the $19,000 a year. Solicitor tells Owens.

August 3--Cronin resigns his post as City Solicitor, which he had held since February, 1968.

Although Corcoran does not release the letter of resignation or make any statement about it, there is speculation that Cronin was angry at the criticism he received for failing to attend several Council meetings, which Owens and the independent councillors then voted to adjourn.