SUNBURY – Northumberland County has agreed to pay $50,000 to settle another lawsuit. The latest deals with 56-year-old David Kaleta of Shamokin. Kaleta’s lawsuit stems from a 2012 claim that he was banned from accessing county owned land that was part of the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area.
In a statement released by Commissioners Vinny Clausi and Stephen Bridy, they say their insurance carrier forced them into this settlement with Kaleta. The insurance company used what is known as the hammer clause, which means if the county failed to agree to settle, the insurance company will not pay for any outcome in excess of the proposed settlement amount, or costs to fight the suit. Clausi and Bridy say they had little choice in the matter, so they settled.
Also in their statement, Clausi and Bridy were critical of Kaleta’s attorney Kymberley Best, who is also running for Northumberland County Commissioner. They said, “Best seems to always be the first in line to bring lawsuits at taxpayer’s expense.”
Best has also been an attorney for a Coal Township resident, who sued the county saying they were in violation of the Sunshine Act. That matter was also settled, forcing the county to pay. Best is also representing at least two other lawsuits against the county, which are currently not settled. She herself also filed a lawsuit against the county after being fired as assistant solicitor and chief clerk. That matter was settled, resulting in payment from the county.
Both Clausi and Bridy voted to approve the most recent settlement at Tuesday’s commissioner meeting. Commissioner Rick Shoch abstained from the vote. You can read the commissioners’ statement here. (Sara Bartlett)