City council spat: meter passes $700,000

Suburban Seattle: “A lawsuit accusing four current and former Shoreline City Council members of holding illegal secret meetings two years ago to oust the city manager and decide on his replacement could mean a few hundred dollars in fines for the politicians if they lose.” The legal fees, however, have already mounted to the $700,000 […]

Suburban Seattle: “A lawsuit accusing four current and former Shoreline City Council members of holding illegal secret meetings two years ago to oust the city manager and decide on his replacement could mean a few hundred dollars in fines for the politicians if they lose.” The legal fees, however, have already mounted to the $700,000 mark with no end in sight, as the parties prepare for a trial. Plaintiffs say the matter could have been settled early with an apology and a small fine; defendants say principle is at stake and that the suit is a way for their disgruntled opponents to cause trouble. (Jim Brunner, “Potential legal tab in Shoreline council lawsuit ‘ridiculous'”, Seattle Times, Sept. 13). And more: case settles for $159,000 (“Shoreline to pay $159,000 to settle open meeting lawsuit”, Sept. 14).

One Comment

  • The only “principle” involved here is billable hours