Today’s Exeter News-Letter (April 29, 2014) reports that the Town has lost a federal lawsuit on
wrongful termination stemming from actions between 2009 and 2010. This loss
will cost the Town about $200,000 plus the cost of the Town’s attorney.
This comes on the heels of the Pine Road decision against the Town, the cost of which is yet
to be released, but will likely be very expensive.
It also follows the lawsuit filed by former selectman Ferraro that
supposedly cost the Town $10,000.
What about the citizens’ lawsuit over the illegal amendments of citizen
petition warrant articles at the 2011 Deliberative Session? The Town had to pay those legal fees as well
as the fees for the Town’s attorney(s). Those costs were in the order of
$15-20,000.
And then there was the complaint by the former Water & Sewer
Superintendent. Didn’t the Town settle that by paying about $150,000?
So, because of these lawsuits, the Town (meaning the taxpayers) is probably looking at losses well north
of ONE-HALF A MILLION DOLLARS!
Does anyone else see that the common denominator in these adverse legal
actions is the Town Manager and his management failures?
Why would the Town Rulers care how much they spend on legal fees? As you say, it's our money. This is just a natural consequence of bureaucracy and taxation. It's inherent in the system.
ReplyDeleteWow I was unaware of the judgements in 2011 and further back. This is terrible. I think some of this blame lies with our legal counsel, I'm curious is he even an Exeter resident?
ReplyDeleteIs there a revenue side of ledger attributable to our legal council? Who is this trusted lawyer and staff?
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