The attorney representing one Butler County commissioner who is suing another for defamation says there is no conflict of interest for him to also do legal work for the county.

Attorney Doug Linn, whose client in the case is Commissioner Dale Pinkerton, said in an interview Friday that the civil case is between the plaintiff and defendant as private citizens.

“There is no conflict,” Linn said.

Commissioner Jim Eckstein, who is being sued by Pinkerton, on Wednesday claimed there was a conflict for Linn to represent Pinkerton while doing work for the county.

But county solicitor Mike English disagreed, saying there is no legal problem.

Linn said Eckstein’s conduct is the problem.

“This guy is actually just a bad person,” Linn said.

He said Eckstein’s previous comments about being picked on and having his family hurt by the lawsuit ignore the effect the alleged slander has had on Pinkerton’s family.

“We’ll have our day in court,” Linn said.

He pointed out the contract his firm has with the county saves it money by charging a significantly reduced rate.

Linn said Eckstein makes assertions without doing any research.

“He doesn’t make any effort,” Linn said.

Eckstein on Wednesday also criticized his colleagues for using Linn’s firm, considering Linn is a defendant in a driving under the influence case, which was reported in the June 11 Butler Eagle.

Linn stressed he pleaded not guilty to that charge, filed by Jackson Township police. He said he agreed to take a blood test, but it was never done.