Legal Fees Paid by the City

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Story Published: Sep 1, 2009 at 10:17 PM PST

By Stacy Lilienthal

It was an item that wasn't on the agenda at the Yakima City Council meeting Tuesday night. A petition and lawsuit are underway for a re-count on Council Member Rick Ensey. It stems from Open Public Meetings Act allegations from this spring. At the meeting, Ensey asked for the council to foot legal bills out of the city budget. The council narrowly said yes.

"It's foolish partisan politics. It has been the mission," started Micah Crowley, "lets just get it out and say it, of Ron Bonlender whether you agree with what happened in the election or not, to come after councilor Rick Ensey." Sonia Rodriguez voted against it. "We are not the ones that are paying for it. It's the citizens that are paying for it and that's where my allegiance is." But Bill Lover did vote yes. "I can not. I will not condone letting one of my fellow council members out there without representation."

"It was Rick and I that were involved in it and there was no intent on his part or my part to break the Open Public Meeting Act," Kathy Coffey said, talking about the allegations. "It's a tragedy and a travesty that citizens of Yakima should have to pay for this kind of foolishness," Mayor Dave Edler said.

"What's your reaction to hearing the council stood behind you like this?" Action News asked Ensey after her found out the council voted 4- 2 to pay for an outside lawyer with the city budget. "I appreciate it. It's a strange thing we're all facing. No one in our council has ever had a recall vote with a petition before and we're all in uncharted territory. But I appreciate the support from my council members."

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