Solvang City Council Appoints City Attorney and Special City Auditor

Source: City of Solvang

Solvang City Council announces the appointment of Chip Wullbrandt as Solvang’s new interim City Attorney. Wullbrandt, with 30 year of experience, is a partner at Price, Postel & Parma, the oldest law firm in the western United States. Wullbrandt’s practice emphasizes environmental, land use, public agency, administrative and water law.  He holds a Preeminent Judicial rating, the highest possible rating in both ethical standards and legal ability. He lives with his wife, Paige, four kids and lots of animals on a horse ranch in Ballard.  According to Wullbrandt, “I’m a native to this area and my wife is from Solvang. I love this community and I look forward to working with the Council to help implement their exciting vision.”
 
The City Council is also pleased to announce the appointment of Special City Auditor, Thomas Widroe. The Council is exercising Article VII of Solvang’s City Charter (https://www.cityofsolvang.com/218/City-Charter) as part of the City reorganization.  Article VII of the City Charter, adopted in 2008, provides for the City Council “from time to time” to review the City’s overall structural performance and best practices to deliver optimal results for the community. Mayor Toussaint believes “This is a necessary step to improve City services and ensure Solvang’s sustainable future while retaining its cultural uniqueness.”
 
Mr. Widroe brings over three decades of organizational management expertise as a consultant to public, private, and non-profit sectors here on the Central Coast.  Widroe lives in Buellton with his wife, Maureen and their four children. Widroe comments, “I’m honored to serve the elected City Council of Solvang and I’m excited to get started.” 
 
Executing promises made to the community, Mayor Toussaint adds, “This is an important step in bringing transparency and fiscal accountability in local government for the people of Solvang.”