Late yesterday afternoon, Judge William Stone denied two motions made by Escambia County Clerk Pam Childers in the lawsuit concerning the county commissioners’ 401a retirement plan.
Childers’ attorneys had tried to get a partial summary judgment that the retirement benefits should be considered as part of the commissioner’s compensation. Judge Stone denied the amended motion because “the factual issues presented preclude granting partial summary judgment.
- Her attorneys also asked for partial summary judgment on the interpretation of Sec. 121.182 of the Florida Statutes. Again, Judge Stone denied the motion because granting it was not appropriate based on the circumstances.
Attorney Troy Rafferty and Levin Papantonio Rafferty represent the county in the lawsuit.
On “Real News” this morning, he said, “Not get too technical, the significance is, once again, (Childers) tried to throw us out of court. She tried to get the judge to go along with her interpretation of the statutes in this case, the comments, the definitions in this case. And the judge did a very thorough analysis and did not side with her.”
He continued, “So we’re going to have a trial in this case, and everybody, including the taxpayers, are going to see exactly what she’s doing and what this is really all about…This is nothing short of political vindictiveness.”
Expensive Losses
I haven’t requested Childers’ most recent invoices on how she has paid to fight the lawsuit. In November, the total was $148,539.
Other rulings have not been in her favor. Read more.
Rulings
2023-08-23 ORDER on PMSJ – compensation
2023-08-23 ORDER on PMSJ – 121.182
