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Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Ind. Courts - "Small claims judge sues Center Twp trustee" [Updated]
The Indianapolis Star is reporting on its website this afternoon, in a story by Jon Murray:
A lawsuit filed against Center Township Trustee Carl Drummer by the township's small claims judge accuses him of meddling in the court's hiring and budgeting.[Updated: This looks to be an interesting action, bearing similarities to judicial mandates initiated by county courts. If any reader has access to the filing, the ILB would be pleased to post it.]
Judge Paula E. Lapossa filed the suit Monday in Marion Superior Court. It argues the Indiana Constitution allows the court to hire and supervise its employees, determine the court's expenses and provide adequate space.But the lawsuit says Drummer, the longtime trustee, hasn't provided sufficient office space, equipment or supplies. He also has interfered in hiring court staff and won't pay fees owed this year to a pro-tem judge and an interpreter, the lawsuit says; the pro-tem judge, whose name is not provided, sits in for Lapossa during some sessions and is owed $2,200.
The Center Township Board approves the court's budget, but the lawsuit says Drummer has not consulted the court before presenting its budget.
Lapossa's suit requests a court order barring Drummer from interfering in those areas and an order to pay the fees. The state of Indiana also is listed as a plaintiff, and the township board is listed as a defendant.
Posted by Marcia Oddi on December 19, 2006 02:40 PM
Posted to Indiana Courts