Lawyer Tells Mullica to Forget About Legal Fees
In a 2-2 split vote Jan. 27, the Township Committee decided not to pay $1,500 in attorney fees stemming from a May 13 criminal complaint filed against the then mayor by a township resident.....Continue Reading
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The decision prompted Kennedy to announce his plans to sue the township for reimbursement.
But citing the "very difficult economic times," Kennedy's Pleasantville-based lawyer, Steven Feldman, has decided to waive the remaining fees he is owed.
"I believe it would be inappropriate to impose a financial obligation on the citizens of the Township of Mullica to resolve this outstanding bill. The burdens facing taxpayers together with the cutback in municipal budgets, many times resulting in layoffs, warrant another approach," Feldman said in a letter dated Feb. 3, which he e-mailed to The Press of Atlantic City on Thursday. "The substantial expense in litigating this issue could be better used to provide services to the employees and citizens of Mullica Township."
Mayor Janet Forman called Feldman's decision "terrific news for the township."
"I think it's a disgrace that it had to happen this way. The township should've paid the bills, like it did in the past. (Feldman) deserved his money," said Forman, who voted to pay the bills. "I thank him for this courtesy."
The committee voted 3 to 1 in December to pay for the first $1,000 of the $2,500 bill.
Forman, a Republican, blamed the committee's reversal on politics.
Democratic Committeeman Bernard Graebener was the swing vote, voting to pay the bill in December and against it in January.
"Absolutely, the change in voting was for a personal reason," Forman said of Graebener's decision. "There was nothing different from December to January, other than me being mayor."
Graebener said Feldman "did the right thing" by waiving his fees.
"I am grateful the taxpayers will not have to bear the burden," said Graebener, adding it should always have been Kennedy's responsibility to pay the bills. "Kennedy hired him. He could still pay him if he wants to."
Kennedy said he doesn't know of many people who, in the current economic climate, would agree "to not get paid what they are owed."
"It was a nice gesture, but it should never have had to happen," said Kennedy, adding that Feldman saved the township additional money in legal expenses by not suing to recoup his fees. "It doesn't make any sense that they voted not to pay him. We have an indemnification clause, which should've been followed. There's no doubt in my mind, that if he had sued, he would've won."
E-mail Robert Spahr: RSpahr@pressofac.com
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