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A BILL amounting to roughly $1 for every resident of Portsmouth doesn't seem enormous - until you consider that it is payment for the city government's fight against a frivolous lawsuit filed by someone who represents those very same residents in the Virginia General Assembly.
City officials recently announced they incurred $90,037 in legal fees preparing to defend themselves against a suit filed in federal court in December by two companies led by state Sen. Louise Lucas. The city hired private attorneys to do the work because the city government's attorney was named as a defendant.
The suit centered on the City Council's decision last summer not to endorse the companies' request for $67 million worth of tax-exempt and low-cost federal and state bonds for a proposed hotel and conference center at Victory Village. The plaintiffs claimed, among other things, that the denial was racially motivated.
The suit - which asked for a whopping $97.7 million in damages - didn't last long. It was filed shortly before the council was scheduled to vote on a renewed request for the bonds, and it was withdrawn shortly after the council voted again to reject the request.
Between the filing and withdrawal, however, the council and its staff had to proceed as if they were headed to court to defend themselves - and, by extension, taxpayers - against a budget-busting judgment.
When city officials saw the final tally for the legal expenses, some suggested forwarding the bill to Lucas and the investors in her project.
Outrage is justified. Even in a good economy, it's unconscionable for a state senator to participate in a lawsuit - over a private development proposal - against the very people she represents. It's all the more appalling that the suit and the resulting legal fees arrived at a time when the city has been struggling with the need to make major cuts in services and/or workers.
Although the effort may very well lead nowhere, the council should request reimbursement from the companies.
One dollar per citizen - one cent, for that matter - is too steep a price to pay. The bullies should pick up the tab.
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Wishful thinking Mr. Ben
The sad fact is that the same tunnel versioned morons in her district will vote her in again based on race, not service. The concept of integrity is beyond the comprehension of her constitutes.
Worth the price!
I'd say that a buck a person is worth the price if it wakes folks up enough to get her thrown out on her rump come the next election. Individuals involved in selfish acts such as this have no place in a representative government. Maybe some of y'all will actually get out and vote when this seat comes up for election?!? Lucas may have gotten my dollar, but she sure as heck will never get my vote.
Don't hold your breath...
...but if Louise Lucas has an ounce of decency, she should stroke a check for every cent in order to make the people of Portsmouth whole. But, like I said, don't hold your breath.