Now that the appeal time line has passed, I would like to tell my side of the story regarding the lawsuit filed against me by Renee Luneau.
Before her lawsuit was even filed, I received a letter from Ms Luneaus’ attorney asking me if I had insurance.
This was the first sign that this lawsuit was indeed frivolous, politically motivated, and a fishing expedition for some quick cash. Ms Luneau was looking for a monetary settlement from the insurance company and the meaningless suit was also an attempt to harm me politically.
I am thankful my insurance company made the decision to fight the suit, which is a testament to how weak her claims really were.
She had stated in the Valley Independent Sentinel that the lawsuit was successful in the fact that the blog was taken down.
Her memory must be short term, because, as shown in court records, the blog was removed in 2007, yet her lawsuit was filed immediately before the election in 2009, almost a full 2 years later.
If her reason for the suit was indeed as she stated in the press, then she was 2 years too late.
As a volunteer member of the Board of Aldermen, it was my duty to investigate the wrongdoings at the Derby transfer station once they were brought to my attention.
As a result of this investigation, Ron Luneau, Renees father, was terminated from his position at Derby Public Works. Even though there were 3 other aldermen on this committee, and Ron Luneau was terminated by his own boss, Renee took this personally and decided to sue me in return.
There was no other basis for this lawsuit as shown in the final decision of dismissal by summary judgement, a decision which is not that common in a court of law.
It’s a shame that our legal system can be used for attempts at monetary gains and the fulfillment of personal vendettas.
In the end, that is what our court system showed this suit to be.
The writer is the president of the Derby Board of Alderman.
Previous stories on the lawsuit:
Judge Dismisses Derby Defamation Lawsuit
Derby Blog Lawsuit Looks To Test 1996 Law
Lawyer: Federal Law Protects Hughes
One Derby Defamation Lawsuit Dropped, Another Proceeds
Online Comments Trigger Derby Lawsuit
For more on the Derby transfer station saga:
