Issue of Scott's legal fees still undecided

By John Carey
Staff writer

May 16, 2008 10:02 am

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CHESTER — The dispute between the Chester town officials and former selectman Leroy Scott has still yet to be resolved, leaving tensions high between the parties.

"This is not the first time we are requesting you to indemnify my father for criminal charges of which he was found not guilty," said Kevin Scott, son of Leroy Scott.

"My opinion remains the same: Leroy did not act within the scope of his employment as a selectman," responded Selectman James Hassam.

"We are talking about facts on paper... you are not talking about facts on paper," argued Carolyn Scott on the legitimacy of the phrase "scope of his employment".

Earlier this year, Leroy Scott was found not guilty of stalking former town treasurer Carol Sheehan. In April, Sheehan filed suit against Scott for harassment and against the town for doing nothing meaningful to stop Scott's behavior. The civil case has yet to be heard. Leroy Scott is looking for the town to pay the legal expenses from his criminal trial, which totalled $3,000.

"The fact of the matter is we don't have to do anything," said Selectman Mark Harris.

The Scotts lost one ally on the board this week when Mike Weider was defeated in his bid for re-election. Weider had made his opinions clear on the board, saying the town "needs to indemnify Leroy for his actions."

"The town should stand behind people they ask to represent them," he added.

Selectmen have, at times, tabled discussion of the legal fees. At other times, the issue could not be dealt with because enough board members were not present for a quorum.

"It's sad ... very sad," said Kevin Scott on the attendance of the current selectmen. In particular, the Scotts have criticized Harris for what they say is a poor attendance record.

At the final board meeting prior to the municipal election, the board decided to table the discussion until the new board was in place and a full board in attendance.

"I think we owe Mr. Scott something ... I don't know what we are waiting for," Weider said during the meeting.

According to Scott, his legal ordeal with the town has lasted over a year and a half, and he has spent two months trying to get a response from the town for this case.