Brocton Trustee Ed Bellando seems to be overreacting when it comes to asking village attorney Peter Clark to resign. While we agree with a lot of Bellando’s questions, he certainly does not understand the landscape when it comes to municipal attorneys.

Even if he’s not happy with the answers he is getting from Clark, there’s no question the village is lucky to have Clark’s services. Finding lawyers to handle local governments is becoming a worrisome problem.

Look no further than Fredonia. For a long time, it was served by Sam Drayo who was a loyal local servant and historian for the municipality. The village’s current law firm is Webster Szanyi, which is based in Buffalo and has no ties to the community.

If it rakes in $222,000 from village coffers in 2021, it’s good for them — not the residents who pay the bill. Besides, there is no local investment by the firm. It’s just a business deal.

Clark is from northern Chautauqua County. He’s contributed to many worthwhile causes.

It’s fair for Bellando to criticize. But if he’s not careful, Brocton could get what Fredonia has: an out-of-town firm looking out for its best interests — and not those of the local community.