Been away due to being sued by my local government

[Island dog]

Have been battling in court with my local government. They are suing me for defamation due to a blog I had for over 3 years harshly criticizing their actions.

Hoping it's all coming to an end soon as there was an election and the funds have been cut off to the lawyer they had.

It's a real can of worms. Thought I was safe as long as I told the truth - big surprise there.

It`s cost me over $20,000. (which I am in debt) to defend to date. Thankfully, I have an amazing lawyer who is giving me a break on his fees.

It has become my life since Nov. and I`ll be glad to see the end of it.

Feel like I can relax a bit now and enjoy things like Chaz again. Looking forward to catching up on what`s been going on here.

 

[RD]

Missed you! That sounds like a handful, but I'm glad to see you back.

 

[JennSLK]

Well I hope it turns out OK. Cant you counter sue for legal fees and what not?

 

[Renee750il]

Truth doesn't have much standing in the modern legal system. Sorry you are caught up in such a brangle.

 

[filarotten]

Glad you are back and I hope things get better for you.

 

[Doberluv]

What an ordeal! Did you just express your opinion? Or did you make false statements? Are they going to win the suit? Good grief. So, now we can't criticize our government? That sounds like how my ex describes the way it was when Czechoslovakia was communist. He said, you wouldn't dare diss the government if you were sitting in a restaurant because the person sitting in the booth behind you might have gov. officials sitting there and if they heard you....it could be curtains for you.

Anyhow, it sounds like things are coming to a close and your life can get back to normal hopefully. Hope to see you around more.

 

[Island dog]

I have to be careful what I say at this point. A public body does not have the right to sue an individual for defamation as there are other ways for government to deal with these issues. (Dixon v Powell River) If they wanted to sue me, they should have done it as private individuals. Instead, they used public funds and spent money like drunken sailors.

At least they have been consistent. They ignored rules and bylaws in their zeal to get me, and now it`s all coming back to bite them in the ass. I knew there was a lot of wrongdoing going on, but was shocked when the Examinations for Discovery took place and more information came out - things were far worse than I ever thought.

It`s been worth it all because it exposed them and they lost the last election. We had a record turnout for the vote and people were visibly pissed. We have taken back control of our community after literally years of being stonewalled. It`s going to be a mess to sort out as there has been numerous conflicts of interest - which I accused them of and proved. The conflicts go back to 2006 and involve at least 3 of them directly.

It`s like crooks who get away with anything for a long time. They become careless and figure they will always have control. Nothing lasts forever and their previous tactics didn`t get rid of me.

I know things are far worse than I imagined. I think this is the tip of the iceberg. I`m hoping there will be a forensic audit. We have elected individuals who are committed to abide by the rules and laws to ensure an open government. The monthly public meetings were closed to the public from Jan. through April - democracy apparently not allowed in our community. The meetings are back open to the public and there was a record turnout last week for the first one this year.

People have got to start paying attention to what`s going on in their communities. These problems are happening in a lot of communities. We are so lucky to be free - people give their lives for us to have that freedom and I`m not about to let some slimeball take that from me.

 

[Renee750il]

Maybe it's time for you to run

 

[Island dog]

No Renee. My lawyer said the same thing. I don`t think I`m cut out for it - I don`t mince words and tend to speak bluntly - not something people like very much. This tiny community is in good hands now, but I am going to be watching and staying involved. I don`t want to see a repeat of what we`ve been subjected to. I want what`s best for the entire community - not a chosen few.

I was able to be effective because I didn`t care what anyone thought of me. I knew I was telling the truth and wouldn`t shut up no matter what. People may not have liked me over the years but now they say I tell the truth - that`s what`s important to me. Most people won`t speak up because their neighbors might think poorly of them - that`s never been a problem for me. It`s what I think of me that counts.

 

[Baxter'smybaby]

wow--well, I hope things settle down and you can breathe a little easier!

 

[Doberluv]

I have to be careful what I say at this point. A public body does not have the right to sue an individual for defamation as there are other ways for government to deal with these issues. (Dixon v Powell River) If they wanted to sue me, they should have done it as private individuals. Instead, they used public funds and spent money like drunken sailors.

At least they have been consistent. They ignored rules and bylaws in their zeal to get me, and now it`s all coming back to bite them in the ass. I knew there was a lot of wrongdoing going on, but was shocked when the Examinations for Discovery took place and more information came out - things were far worse than I ever thought.

It`s been worth it all because it exposed them and they lost the last election. We had a record turnout for the vote and people were visibly pissed. We have taken back control of our community after literally years of being stonewalled. It`s going to be a mess to sort out as there has been numerous conflicts of interest - which I accused them of and proved. The conflicts go back to 2006 and involve at least 3 of them directly.

It`s like crooks who get away with anything for a long time. They become careless and figure they will always have control. Nothing lasts forever and their previous tactics didn`t get rid of me.

I know things are far worse than I imagined. I think this is the tip of the iceberg. I`m hoping there will be a forensic audit. We have elected individuals who are committed to abide by the rules and laws to ensure an open government. The monthly public meetings were closed to the public from Jan. through April - democracy apparently not allowed in our community. The meetings are back open to the public and there was a record turnout last week for the first one this year.

People have got to start paying attention to what`s going on in their communities. These problems are happening in a lot of communities. We are so lucky to be free - people give their lives for us to have that freedom and I`m not about to let some slimeball take that from me.

:hail::hail:

No Renee. My lawyer said the same thing. I don`t think I`m cut out for it - I don`t mince words and tend to speak bluntly - not something people like very much. This tiny community is in good hands now, but I am going to be watching and staying involved. I don`t want to see a repeat of what we`ve been subjected to. I want what`s best for the entire community - not a chosen few.

I was able to be effective because I didn`t care what anyone thought of me. I knew I was telling the truth and wouldn`t shut up no matter what. People may not have liked me over the years but now they say I tell the truth - that`s what`s important to me. Most people won`t speak up because their neighbors might think poorly of them - that`s never been a problem for me. It`s what I think of me that counts.

:hail::hail:

Good for you! It's people like you who keep this country's head above water.

 

[Island dog]

Thanks Doberluv. I'm in Canada, but we have our freedom in common.

Some of the comments I've received over the years have shocked me. The worst was: "Democracy is fine, but.........."

How could anyone utter those words? Yet these same people show up on Remembrance Day to honor those who fought and died for our freedom. WTF? These are not young people - they're in their 70's.

 

[HayleyMarie]

:hail:I have to commend you and give you kudos for standing up for what is right and what you stood up for made a difference in your community :hail::hail:

 

[Doberluv]

Thanks Doberluv. I'm in Canada, but we have our freedom in common.

Some of the comments I've received over the years have shocked me. The worst was: "Democracy is fine, but.........."

How could anyone utter those words? Yet these same people show up on Remembrance Day to honor those who fought and died for our freedom. WTF? These are not young people - they're in their 70's.

Oh, I forgot you're in Canada. Well...it's the same thing. You are taking a stance for believing in what's right and fighting for it.

Those are some pretty shocking comments from some hypocritical people!