(a) There is hereby established the position of Public Defender in the Mayor's Court.
(b) The Public Defender shall be appointed by the Mayor, subject to the concurrence and approval of a majority of the members elected to Council.
(c) No person shall be appointed and serve as Public Defender unless he or she has been admitted to the practice of law in the State of Ohio and is, at all times, in good standing with the Ohio Supreme Court.
(d) The Public Defender may be removed from office by the Mayor, with the concurrence of a majority of the members of Council.
(e) The Public Defender shall be under the administrative supervision of the Mayor and shall represent indigent persons referred to him or her by either the Mayor or any judge of the Parma Municipal Court. Such representation shall be at no cost to such indigent persons.
(f) The professional representation of indigent persons by the Public Defender shall be independent and free from any interference from any other Municipal employee.
(g) Compensation for the position of Public Defender shall be provided by Council in accordance with Article III(l) of the City Charter.
(Ord. 97-37. Passed 2-18-97.)