As the saga continues over legal files and the House Democratic Caucus OUR bills are piling up. Yes, you and me, the Pennsylvania taxpayer. The judge in the case scolded both sides over this wasteful litigation according to this article that appeared in the Post-Gazette.
Dauphin County Judge Lawrence Clark also scolded both sides yesterday for already spending over $1 million in public funds for lawyers' fees, during a serious economic recession when many people are losing their jobs or homes. The fees are the result of a criminal investigation into bonuses prosecutors say were given to employees for campaign work, which would be illegal.
"Our state and nation are going through some tough times," the judge said. "The confidence of the average citizen in government has been diminished. What is the message to the people who are paying the bill for this?"
Now the ridiculous part. Look at how many attorneys are involved.
As seven lawyers representing various House leaders looked on, Judge Clark compared legislative Democrats to a "large family," and noted that big families sometimes have squabbles.
But in this case taxpayers are picking up the tab, he said. So far, $1.3 million has been paid to Mr. Chadwick. Another $150,000 or more will be paid to attorney Chris Casey of Philadelphia, who represents current House Majority Leader Todd Eachus of Luzerne.
Mr. Casey himself was represented yesterday by two other lawyers from his firm, and Mr. Chadwick had his own lawyer. Other House members or staffers were represented by two other attorneys. They may all seek to be paid with public funds.
You have lawyers representing lawyers. But remember Eachus hired Casey to conduct a "top-to-bottom review" of the House Democratic Caucus and recommend changes to make it more efficient.
The review, which will be conducted by former Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Casey, will try to eliminate "government duplication, waste and inefficiencies" that citizens demand during difficult economic times, Eachus said in a press release obtained before distribution by PolitickerPA.com. Todd, do you remember telling the public that?
If you want to read some favorite theories on the reason for the Eachus/DeWeese slugfest look at Captain Renault's post on the topic. The Captain also has links to the court documents.
The Eachus/Casey Complaint
The Eachus/Casey Motion for Injunction
The Eachus/Casey Legal Memorandum
Showing posts with label Christopher Casey. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christopher Casey. Show all posts
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Eachus Hires Christopher Casey To Do An Efficiency Study???
At a time when Card Check is a buzz word, Todd Eachus was elected House Majority Leader beating Rep. Frank Dermody of Allegheny County in a closed door election process.
Eachus replaced Bill "Da Weasel" DeWeese who is now No. 3 at Whip. You have to admire someone who hits the ground running since he assumed the job December 1.
Eachus announced that HE hired outside legal counsel for the House Democratic Caucus(remember that he paid off arrested Mike Veon's campaing debt without consulting the rest of the caucus Members). His choice was Christopher Casey, brother of Senator Bob Casey.
On December 2, 2008 I reported on the Vince Fumo trial where the latter Casey's name was part of the testimony.
If you look at the bio on Christopher Casey you will read the following:
Areas of Focus: Partner, Corporate Investigations and White Collar Group. Mr. Casey concentrates his practice in white collar defense, criminal and civil antitrust, defamation, and complex commercial litigation.
I guess that Bonusgate probe by Attorney General Tom Corbett was focused on the "government duplication, waste and inefficiencies" that citizens demand during difficult economic times. At least that is what Eachus said in his press release. The release also states Casey will be "tasked with examining current procedures, contracts and staff structure." Having been involved in a merger of the number two and number five corporations in my industry I can report that an attorney was not brought in for these areas. Consultants with expertise were hired to reduce duplication, etc. but they weren't attorneys.
Since Eachus was one of the representatives who refused to give back the illegal pay raise of 2005 his explanation seems like a case of "Wag The Dog".
Eachus replaced Bill "Da Weasel" DeWeese who is now No. 3 at Whip. You have to admire someone who hits the ground running since he assumed the job December 1.
Eachus announced that HE hired outside legal counsel for the House Democratic Caucus(remember that he paid off arrested Mike Veon's campaing debt without consulting the rest of the caucus Members). His choice was Christopher Casey, brother of Senator Bob Casey.
On December 2, 2008 I reported on the Vince Fumo trial where the latter Casey's name was part of the testimony.
If you look at the bio on Christopher Casey you will read the following:
Areas of Focus: Partner, Corporate Investigations and White Collar Group. Mr. Casey concentrates his practice in white collar defense, criminal and civil antitrust, defamation, and complex commercial litigation.
I guess that Bonusgate probe by Attorney General Tom Corbett was focused on the "government duplication, waste and inefficiencies" that citizens demand during difficult economic times. At least that is what Eachus said in his press release. The release also states Casey will be "tasked with examining current procedures, contracts and staff structure." Having been involved in a merger of the number two and number five corporations in my industry I can report that an attorney was not brought in for these areas. Consultants with expertise were hired to reduce duplication, etc. but they weren't attorneys.
Since Eachus was one of the representatives who refused to give back the illegal pay raise of 2005 his explanation seems like a case of "Wag The Dog".
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