(La Porte County, IN) - The money is there, but the La Porte County Commissioners decided not to use it last night for a fellow elected official they're suing to pay for his legal defense.

 

The commissioners rejected a contract for legal services presented by La Porte County Auditor Tim Stabosz.

 

Stabosz is being taken to court by the commissioners for ignoring their order to pay La Porte County Attorney Shaw Friedman's law firm more than $12,000 for services he outlined in separate invoices. Stabosz said he's not paying because Friedman has not presented the information Stabosz personally requests to determine if the work was for legitimate legal services. 

 

The proposed contract was with a Crown Point-based attorney Stabosz chose to represent him in the case. The commissioners cited issues with some of the language in the proposed agreement and spent tax dollars on a lawsuit brought on by Stabosz for ignoring their orders.

 

“The taxpayers are getting hosed over this squabble and it’s not right.  It’s not right at all. I’ll be the friend of the taxpayers this time and say I’m not signing this contract.  No way.  I can’t morally do that,” said La Porte County Commission President Rich Mrozinski.

Last month, the La Porte County Council approved funding for Stabosz' legal counsel, saying Stabosz was entitled to the dollars because the case involves his work-related duties under state law. However, Stabosz said he's entitled to county government-paid legal expenses and will consider his options if a contract for his legal services continues to be denied by the commissioners.

 

He also alleged Friedman is the ringleader behind what he described as game-playing over the proposed contract.

 

“Don’t tell me he didn’t privately advise them, hey, let’s have a field day with Stabosz and leave him twisting in the wind with the contract.  This fight is going to happen whether they like it or not,” Stabosz said.