An answer found in court

Nearly two months ago, we wrote that Costa Mesa officials should be

happy as they signed a $750,000 check to former City Atty. Jerry

Scheer. “It could have been much bigger,” we said in regards to a

payment of Scheer’s suit against the city, in which he alleged, among

other charges, violation of free speech and due process; unlawful

harassment based on age and disability; and violation of the Brown

Act open meeting law.

It turns out, the payment still might be.

Late this month Scheer refilled his claim, angered in part that

the settlement still had not been signed two months after the City

Council approved the agreement. His decision sends the process back

near the beginning, and it seems to promise that a series of events

dating back to July 2001 will linger well into the new year.

That is unfortunate for all involved, whether Scheer or the

defendants named in the suit: former Councilwoman Linda Dixon and

Karen Robinson; current Councilwoman Libby Cowan; Mayor Gary Monahan;

and Senior Deputy City Atty. Marianne Reger. It also is unfortunate

for residents and business owners who ultimately will have to foot

the bill.$750,000 settlement.

For their money and their trouble, it now is more important than

ever that the people of Costa Mesa find out how a longtime,

high-level city employee ended up suing his employer. Questions that

demand answers include: What is the true crux of the issue? Who did

what, and what was so terrible that it led to Scheer’s retirement

from the city and the lawsuit? Who failed to sign the agreement and

why?Because the lawsuit involves personnel matters, there is only one

way these questions will be addressed: The case needs to go to court.

It is with utmost reluctance that we direct the story down this

path. A loss in court could cost the city much more than $750,000.

But having those questions answered in the open may end up saving

more money, if it ensures that another lawsuit of this kind never

hits Costa Mesa.