by David Chapman
Staff Writer
With Tropical Storm Fay turning much of Downtown into a ghost town last Wednesday through Friday, there was at least one group who went to work.
Public Defender Bill White and the staff at the Public Defenders Office worked through the afternoon last Wednesday to catch up on work, rearrange deposition schedules and keep witnesses informed of situation changes.
“We had quite a few witness appointments, depositions and first appearances this (Wednesday) morning,” said White. “We don’t want anyone to be left hanging.”
The office was open for business until Wednesday afternoon and was closed Thursday and Friday.
White kept his staff of 150 informed about office hours and proceedings throughout the week by e-mail and a voicemail message he consistently updated.
There was one small incentive for working Wednesday: No suits allowed. Instead, it was casual day.
Such closures and delays have only happened a handful of times over the years, said White, but even one time can be a pain.
“It’s a major inconvenience to the public, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry,” he said.
It’s been about 10 years since White said his office was hard hit by weather, but even then the office was used as a shelter – and for work.
“I just told whoever wanted to come in the office to bring sleeping bags, food and water and they’d have a place,” said White. “Some came with families for protection, but a few came in to work.
“As long as there isn’t any major flooding and the power is on, someone will probably be here.”
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