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Public commenter describes ouster petition and alleges First Amendment violations tied to mayor; county attorney response noted
Summary
A public commenter said they filed an ouster petition in January alleging misconduct and First Amendment violations, criticized local defense by county counsel, and warned the lawsuit could lead to discovery and depositions; county staff confirmed a federal lawsuit has been filed and turned over to insurance and outside counsel.
A member of the public addressed the commission with allegations connected to an ouster petition and First Amendment complaints tied to the mayor.
Speaker 4 said they filed an ouster petition with attorney Hart in January and contended some accusations—described in the petition and separate First Amendment complaints—were not adequately addressed. "Attorney Hart's answer to the ouster and my First Amendment violation complaint came across more as a defense of the mayor instead of a..." the commenter said, adding that attorney Hart had described some complaints as 'without merit.'
The commenter said a resulting lawsuit could bring extensive discovery, including requests for emails, text messages, minutes and depositions. They warned of federal penalties for perjury in depositions and said outside officials and mayors from neighboring counties may be drawn into related testimony.
County legal staff (Speaker 7) later reported a new federal lawsuit had been filed and service accepted as of Friday; the matter has been turned over to the county's insurance carrier and outside counsel from Knoxville to represent the county. Speaker 7 said any federal litigation is typically referred to insurers and outside counsel, and suggested the commission may schedule an executive session if further discussion is needed.
No motions were made on these matters during the meeting; commissioners and staff acknowledged the existence of legal processes and said litigation matters are being handled through insurance and appointed counsel.
