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Lawsuits filed against Madeira Beach official
The actions are politically driven, Commissioner Art Thomas says
By WAYNE AYERS
Article published on Wednesday, March 8, 2006 |
MADEIRA BEACH – Add four more lawsuits to the already bulging portfolio of suits, legal actions and counteractions involving the city and its officials.
Prior to the Feb. 28 Board of Commissioners meeting, Commissioner Art Thomas was served with lawsuits from four separate individuals.
The suits relate to a letter that Thomas wrote which was published in the Jan. 12 editions of the Beach Beacon and Seminole Beacon, and also appeared on the newspaper’s Web site.
The suits alleges that Thomas libeled the plaintiffs by stating in the letter that they had “threatened” him. Threats against a public official constitute a felony, the suit further states.
Plaintiffs in the lawsuits are listed as Arthur Broaderick, Bob Shaw, Leonard Piotti and Caryl Broaderick. The plaintiffs are each asking for damages in excess of $15,000, according to the documents filed.
The complaint focuses upon a section of Thomas’ letter that refers, in part, to “a small radical group that ... has not been able by threats or pressure to make me come around to their way of thinking.”
The lawsuits were brought to light at the commission meeting by City Attorney Michael Connolly. Connolly said that the city would likely file a motion to dismiss the actions.
Connolly said that if the lawsuits were filed against Thomas in his official capacity as the city commissioner, the city would have a responsibility to defend him. If the lawsuits are against Thomas acting as an individual, he would be responsible for his own defense, Connolly said.
Connolly stated that he needed further time to study the suits and their implications.
All of the plaintiffs were present at the commission meeting but did not speak publicly on the matter. Len Piotti did volunteer that, in his view, the lawsuits were not directed against the city.
Thomas termed the lawsuits against him “frivolous” and “politically motivated” in a comment made during a meeting break.
The lawsuits are the latest in a series of recent legal actions involving the city and its officials. Connolly is currently dealing with multiple actions and counteractions concerning a commissioner’s legal residency in the city, and a restaurateur’s failed efforts to establish an eatery at the city’s Archibald Park.
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Article published on Wednesday, March 8, 2006
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