(La Porte County, IN) - The political infighting that's run rampant in La Porte County government for almost three years now could be nearing its end.

 

Today, the La Porte County Commissioners unanimously approved a Memorandum of Understanding with La Porte County Auditor Tim Stabosz, who in turn signed the agreement.

 

Under the MOU, Stabosz agrees to pay the amount of money still owed to former county attorney Shaw Friedman, as well as for future legal work he performs for county government as an outside contractor in no less than 30 days.

 

Stabosz can take longer than 30 days to pay, but only under certain conditions.

 

La Porte County Attorney Scott Pejic said the agreement is non-binding, but expressed hope Stabosz will live up to the terms.

 

“I’m optimistic going forward that this will solve a lot of issues with this one vendor,” he said.

 

Friedman has been given legal work to perform for county government as an outside contractor since being ousted as county attorney in early January.  

 

La Porte County Commissioner Rich Mrozinski alleged Stabosz agreed to the terms out of fear that the commissioners might take legal action requesting his early removal from office.

 

Stabosz denied feeling intimidated to agree to the MOU, citing a prior failed attempt to seek his early removal.

 

Mrozinski said he also wouldn’t be surprised if Stabosz violates the terms of the MOU, judging by his previously confrontational behavior.

 

Commission President Connie Gramarossa also said she doesn’t trust Stabosz to live up to his bargain outlined in the MOU, but warned him the commissioners will go after him “twofold” if he fails to live up to the terms.

She expressed concerns that Stabosz might be late in paying other contractors, claiming that a few attorneys and a construction firm are still waiting for their late payments.

 

Gramarossa questioned, “Are we going to have to go into an MOU with every single vendor that he does not pay?”

 

Pejic said he will do everything he can for that not to happen.

 

Gramarossa then directed more heated words toward Stabosz as he began interrupting her while she was speaking, leading to a verbal exchange between the two officials. 

 

“Excuse me. I am trying to run a meeting here.  Mr. Secretary, please,” she said.

 

“Mr. Auditor,” he said.

 

“You are a secretary here.  You are here in the capacity as our secretary,” she said.

 

“Thank You for the lecture, Ma'am,” he said.

 

Pejic urged the commissioners to enter into the agreement with Stabosz to try and put an end to the extreme political fighting that has overshadowed the positive work of the organization.

 

“I think the county would be of great benefit, including all of ourselves and our mental health, that we can move forward and just concentrate on the good work that we do and let the public know the good work that all of us do individually and together,” he said.  

 

The MOU does not request Stabosz to pay Friedman for money tied to work Stabosz claims was performed outside the scope of his former duties as county attorney. That's because the roughly $10,000 owed is tied up in a still undecided lawsuit filed by Friedman, who alleges payment is being withheld by Stabosz because of his personal and political dislike for him.

 

Stabosz revealed a settlement is a possibility in that legal action.