Election commissioner sues ex-law firm, Metro | Legal

Davidson County Election Commission Chair Jim DeLanis is suing Metro and his former employer, regulation business Baker Donelson Bearman Caldwell & Berkowitz.

DeLanis stated previous yr that Baker fired him following decades at the organization mainly because of “threats and pressure” from two agency consumers. He had been hoping to pressure by using the election commission an anti-tax ballot referendum to a countywide vote despite numerous judicial choices ruling it illegal. The business reported that he retired.

DeLanis’ grievance was filed in federal court docket Wednesday. In it, he names Metro Councilmember Bob Mendes as a defendant, saying that Mendes “berated” and “threatened” the election commission all through public discussion over the referendum proceedings.

The criticism alleges that Metro officers contacted Baker Donelson leaders in an exertion to stress DeLanis to fall the referendum thrust. Baker Donelson has represented Metro in selected issues for several years. DeLanis alleges that a Baker Donelson formal explained to him two major clients, Metro and Metro Nashville General public Colleges, were being threatening to fall the organization if he ongoing his initiatives.

Although the criticism is civil, DeLanis also accuses Metro and Baker Donelson of potential prison violations, which includes extortion and conspiracy.

DeLanis is asking for at least $1 million in damages.

Even with an overwhelmingly Democratic voters in Davidson County, the election fee is controlled by Republicans picked by GOP point out lawmakers.

“Even though we have not experienced an opportunity to totally evaluation the criticism in this make any difference, Baker Donelson categorically denies that it entered into any conspiracy similar to Mr. Delanis or that his departure from the company took place in the way he has described,” the company said by way of a spokesperson. “As we said previous yr when he remaining the agency and specifically in light of the pending litigation, we will not interact in general public discussion relating to his departure. Baker Donelson will defend by itself, and we are self-assured that protection will be effective.”

Metro Lawful Director Wally Dietz declined to remark. DeLanis’ legal professional, John Harris III, declined to comment. Mendes has not commented.