Councilman Erik Halvorson calls suit 'political payback'; plaintiff Tom Samuels wants defendant councilors to answer 'discovery' questions and stop delaying case
the worlds gone mad, up is down, right is wrong. There's a reason we have Open Meeting/Roberts rules and the people who are accused of violating them need to be held accountable. This is not the wild wild west, we live in community and there are rules to follow or you have chaos. IMO
$50,000 tax payer bill and counting. I am furious that we have to pay legal fees for people who knowingly committed crimes and are now trying to throw the plaintiffs under the bus. Boudreau has to go. Halvorson is next.
There's a old political saw that fits this situation, "When you get caught with your hand in the cookie jar, you might as well fess up".
Elected folks often make mistakes, after all they're human. When a elected errs the first instinct is to deny and if that doesn't work, cast their action as somehow legit. Invariably simply admitting a error is the best course.
When you're a newly elected, the first thing you learn, get instructed in by your legal department is your responsibility to have all discussions specific to your position. consideration of potential action in a vote you will cast be public. That you never hold "Off the record" discussions with a quorum of your elected body. Talking about a issue and determining a course of action is a serious no-no with legal implications.
If in this case if it's proven vio;ations have occurred, and I have no opinion to offer, then there should be consequences.
The upcoming election is when your opinion can be made known. Your vote will be the clearest indication of your view of elected performance, suitability of candidates to hold office.
I don’t think that’s been determined yet. The plaintiffs not indicated they want to seek a lot of monetary damages, but the very least they will try to recover their legal costs. But there’s no certainty about this issue right now.
All of the discovery and interrogatories that are being demanded of these particular council members should be demanded of the other council members, including Ms. Swanson.
All parties should and must be investigated in the interest of the public.
We deserve to know the complete truth pertaining to the facts and not unilateral finger pointing.
Running to the courthouse and filing a lawsuit doesn’t mean the Plaintiffs hands are clean.
Let’s see how fast the others are willing to answer and disclose the same information.
the worlds gone mad, up is down, right is wrong. There's a reason we have Open Meeting/Roberts rules and the people who are accused of violating them need to be held accountable. This is not the wild wild west, we live in community and there are rules to follow or you have chaos. IMO
$50,000 tax payer bill and counting. I am furious that we have to pay legal fees for people who knowingly committed crimes and are now trying to throw the plaintiffs under the bus. Boudreau has to go. Halvorson is next.
There's a old political saw that fits this situation, "When you get caught with your hand in the cookie jar, you might as well fess up".
Elected folks often make mistakes, after all they're human. When a elected errs the first instinct is to deny and if that doesn't work, cast their action as somehow legit. Invariably simply admitting a error is the best course.
When you're a newly elected, the first thing you learn, get instructed in by your legal department is your responsibility to have all discussions specific to your position. consideration of potential action in a vote you will cast be public. That you never hold "Off the record" discussions with a quorum of your elected body. Talking about a issue and determining a course of action is a serious no-no with legal implications.
If in this case if it's proven vio;ations have occurred, and I have no opinion to offer, then there should be consequences.
The upcoming election is when your opinion can be made known. Your vote will be the clearest indication of your view of elected performance, suitability of candidates to hold office.
Vote wisely.
Is it correct to assume that if the defendants lose in court the city does not have to pay legal bills for anyone?
Thank you,
Helen Leith.
I don’t think that’s been determined yet. The plaintiffs not indicated they want to seek a lot of monetary damages, but the very least they will try to recover their legal costs. But there’s no certainty about this issue right now.
All of the discovery and interrogatories that are being demanded of these particular council members should be demanded of the other council members, including Ms. Swanson.
All parties should and must be investigated in the interest of the public.
We deserve to know the complete truth pertaining to the facts and not unilateral finger pointing.
Running to the courthouse and filing a lawsuit doesn’t mean the Plaintiffs hands are clean.
Let’s see how fast the others are willing to answer and disclose the same information.
Sunshine is always the best disinfectant! ☺️