The council has already allocated $25,000 for Miller's potential legal fees that by statute the town of Sellerburg is responsible for. Miller hired Larry Wilder to file suit over a deputy position in the treasurer's office that was eliminated by the council and Miller now wants the eliminated position refilled.
The BatBlog has no idea if Miller's request for the defunded position is valid and the position really needs to be filled. None the less The BatBlog feels it is every elected official's duty to work in cooperation with other sectors of government. Miller didn't even go before the council with a request before contacting an attorney and has brought up accusations against the council of wasted money on other projects...It isn't Millers job to tell the council how, are what to fund, or what not to. That is the council's elective duty and responsibility.
These situations while not unusual are lose, lose for the taxpayers, not only does money get thrown away (attorney fees) that could be used for needed funding, it also going forward creates a divisive relationship between the two bickering parties.
The BatBlog feels Miller and all elected officials should quietly do THEIR jobs. They should work together with other office holders in the best interest of the taxpayer's hard earned dollars and not let petty differences be squandered away on situations like this, where the only winners are the attorneys,
Don't remember the details but I believe there was an issue with this woman quitting her job before she was elected. She was working in that same clerk treasurer office.
ReplyDeleteHad some of the the Rs not promised someone a job in the clerk's office, they wouldn't feel the need to sue to make good on their promise.
ReplyDeleteThere is no merit to the suit. The statue very clearly says the office holder gets to decide the number of employees with the approval of the council. Legislative bodies hold the power of the purse, get to make the salary ordinances and get to make the budget. She didn't even bother to actually ask the council for the additional position back before suing them.
This same individual bragged that her and one employee previously ran the office. She can hardly turn around and claim she must have an additional employee to do the job. She just wants the job to give out.
If you are guilty and want a plea bargain or want to drag a case with no merit on and on, hire Wilder. If you need a good attorney hire someone else.
ReplyDeleteWilder will do anything to get his name in the paper including taking frivolous lawsuits and sleeping in a garbage can. The statute needs to be changed --- elected officials who sue and lose should have to pay ALL the legal fees. People are elected to SERVE not to TAKE.
ReplyDeleteI agree Anon. this lawsuit sounds like total BS to me. The town council is elected to make these fiscal decisions not Miller. I guess Wilder would be a good attorney if you end up in the "Can"....get it the "Can"
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DeleteWell that's mature and so thought provoking, I appreciate that comment. I find it comical that this blog would comment on this story without even knowing the full story or what transpired. It is the council who is playing dirty politics and continues to do so. I generally like your blog however I could do without the many personal attacks that occur.
DeleteI can't control what readers think, they are entitled to their opinions. If you read carefully I stated that I didn't know if another person needed to be added or not. It is MY OPINION that a better result would occur without filing suit right off the bat...
DeleteThis is a blog not the news media (though The BatBlog does break a lot of news) ...opinions are rendered if you are offended by other people's opinions I suggest you not read or participate.
I can't control what readers think, they are entitled to their opinions. If you read carefully I stated that I didn't know if another person needed to be added or not. It is MY OPINION that a better result would occur without filing suit right off the bat...
DeleteThis is a blog not the news media (though The BatBlog does break a lot of news) ...opinions are rendered if you are offended by other people's opinions I suggest you not read or participate.
The personal attacks with no contribution to the actual discussion do not help the bickering. I hope once this lawsuit is over, that the clerk treasurer can work cohesively with the town council. The citizens that elected us deserve that.
DeleteI'd like to get a realistic 2017 budget. I hope to have her assistance, but if she chooses not, I will still work towards that goal regardless. I honestly hope she wants to work together. If so, my door is open and my phone will be answered.
The best thing any public official that has a problem with other public officials can do is attempt a compromise and keep communications open with those involved.
ReplyDeleteLawyering up only escalates the problem especially with someone like Wilder ...
I find it interesting that Ms.Miller, who wants the citizens to believe she is concerned with taxpayer dollars being wasted, would file suit. Do like the rest of us who have had reductions in force...your job!!!
ReplyDeleteAgreed Anon. In the corporate and real world job consolidations and reductions in force are as common as the light of day. This just appears to a case where another politician has a sense of entitlement and feels she is above the things that her constituents face every day...
ReplyDeleteFarm Fence Post Hole Digger
ReplyDeleteThis is a really strange political fight in Sellersburg.
Would someone please breakdown the DNA of this one for the Bat Blog?
...."cohesively" might be an optimistic stretch for the future....