Laurie Lee Candidate for Framingham Selectman Position on the SMOC Lawsuit

I believe the SMOC lawsuit is groundless and without merit.

Lawsuit Funding

The question has been raised “How are you going to fund the SMOC lawsuit?”  The connotation behind this question is very serious: should this particular item alone, voted to be funded by Town Meeting, have to find separate resources in order to justify the allocation and proceed with the case?  Doing this not only sets a dangerous precedent that may encourage other law suits, there is the potential to drive apart town departments vying for funding: it will promote exactly the wrong approach when deciding important budgetary spending. We need to continue to focus on all our essential services, including defending ourselves when we are attacked. Town Meeting will judge each appropriation on its merits.

As named defendant in the SMOC suit, I sought the best Attorney I could, one who is experienced and qualified in Federal civil litigation to defend my interests.  I would insist that our Town leaders do the same thing to protect the Town’s best interest. SMOC has hired a top-flight legal firm to prosecute their case. While Town Counsel serves Framingham well the Selectman appropriately chose a top-flight legal firm specializing in these actions to represent Framingham. Town Meeting understood the importance of having strong representation and voted $150,000 for that defense. I agree with the 125 Town Meeting members who voted in the affirmative and the boards, committees and residents who stand behind this decision.

I have always put the Town’s best interest first and I will continue to do so as Selectman. This would be my stance even if I were not named in the SMOC lawsuit. It is essential that we vigorously and competently defend our right to self govern and the right of Framingham residents to speak freely and petition their officials. I stand for that right.

In December 2007, the MWDN published documents in which SMOC said that they prefer working with Town Counsel as opposed to the Boston attorney chosen to defend this suit.

Is it in the best interest of the Town to allow SMOC to choose the attorney to represent the Town and individuals, who they sued?

 I don't think so.