SUNBURY — A Sunbury attorney is responding to recent accusations by Vinny Clausi and Stephen Bridy. The two commissioners’ remarks followed a settlement with the county.
This week, the county, specifically Clausi and Bridy, settled with David Kaleta of Shamokin for $50,000 regarding claims that he was banned from accessing part of the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area. In a statement, Clausi and Bridy say they were forced by their insurance company into the settlement. They also were critical of Kaleta’s attorney Kymberley Best, saying she is always the first in line to bring lawsuits at taxpayer’s expense. For this lawsuit, taxpayers will foot $25,000.
Now Best, who is also running for Northumberland County Commissioner, says, “To date I have brought three cases against the county to a successful conclusion. The first, my own, serves as an example that it is not legal to treat employees the way that Mr. Clausi routinely treats the employees of the county. The second case successfully returned the ability of residents to speak freely during the public meetings of the commissioners. This case, Mr. Kaleta’s success, has curbed secret meetings that conspire to attack an individual.”
Best says she is proud of her cases and proud to defend the civil rights of ordinary citizens against attacks by elected officials. You can read Best’s full statement here. (Sara Bartlett)