Galloway Township Still Awaiting Final Signatures in Agreement With Lisa Tilton
Don Purdy and Lisa Tilton have already signed, and Dennis Kleiner said he sent his signed papers to the township on Thursday. Details will be released when fully signed.
Galloway Township Mayor Don Purdy signed the settlement agreement in Lisa Tilton’s suit against the township immediately following the council meeting on Dec. 11, Solicitor Michael Fitzgerald said via email on Thursday, Dec. 20.
Purdy confirmed that he had signed the agreement on Thursday afternoon, despite previously saying he had not. According to Purdy, a mix-up in paperwork following the meeting resulted in Purdy signing the agreement despite not realizing it at the time. He did say he read it earlier in the day, and that he fully intended to sign it when needed.
"I thought I would be one of the last people to sign," Purdy said.
As of Thursday afternoon, Fitzgerald stated Purdy had signed on behalf of the township, and Tilton signed the agreement the same day.
It also needed to be signed by former Township Manager Steve Bonanni, former Councilman Dennis Kleiner and the insurance carrier Indian Harbor.
On Thursday evening, Kleiner confirmed he signed the papers and returned them earlier in the day. It was unknown whether Bonanni or Indian Harbor had signed the agreement. According to Fitzgerald, details would be released as soon as the agreement was fully signed.
Fitzgerald’s email came in response to a question by blogger Harry Scheeler as to why the township had yet to release details of the agreement. Council voted 6-0, with one abstaining to enter into the agreement following a closed session on Dec. 11.
The township has not released any details in the week since council passed the resolution, including a settlement amount.
Tilton filed a lawsuit with the township earlier this year after filing a series of tort claim notices. Tilton entered into an agreement with the township to resign after being suspended in June of last year. The sides reached the agreement on July 18, but Tilton alleges the township violated that agreement shortly thereafter, and released her personal information to a third party not involved in the case.
Tilton was seeking a rescindment of the Settlement Agreement and Release and a reinstatement to the township with back pay and benefits, among other judgments.
The allegations also included sexual harassment charges against Bonanni.
Bonanni, Kleiner and former Solicitor Michael Blee each had their own attorney in the case. Blee was not part of this settlement.
1776
7:28 pm on Thursday, December 20, 2012
Wait a sec here If he has no idea what he was signing he obviously didn't read it. I wonder what else Tiltons high power attorney slipped in there.
Anthony Bellano
7:31 pm on Thursday, December 20, 2012
I added in there that he said during our conversation that he read it earlier in the day, and that he fully intended to sign it.
Anthony Bellano
9:14 pm on Thursday, December 20, 2012
Even if there is no gag order, she wouldn't be able to say anything until after the agreement is finalized, I believe.
Lisa Tilton
8:37 pm on Saturday, December 22, 2012
Thanks Anthony!
Keep Galloway Green
10:57 am on Saturday, December 22, 2012
This settlement should be made public before anyone signs. Just another secret deal by corrupt politicians. Residents have a right to know before Galloway gives away $$$$. Yes Purdy says the details will be released after everyone signs....what a joke! How much are Bonanni , Kleiner, Purdy & others paying from their own pockets?....This settlement reeks of corruption. I hope someone has the sense not to sign this settlement so the residents can see what it is all about...hopefully!
Samantha Siang
3:28 pm on Saturday, December 22, 2012
Democracy in action. It's why 40% of eligible voters in this country stopped voting a long time ago. There is no longer accountability to citiizens at the local, state and especially the federal levels of government. Problem is, there are no longer other acceptable choices.
Keep Galloway Green
9:43 am on Wednesday, December 26, 2012
I hope this "settlement" doesn't get all the signatures it needs. Galloway taxpayers shouldn't have to give Lisa Tilton a dime. If she wants $$$....she should get it from each individual party. Taxpayers didn't "harm' her...let her collect from Bonanni ...Kleiner....Purdy & others.