Date: 5/5/2021
Taxpayers beware! Because of the frivolous lawsuit filed by Mrs. [Mary Ellen] Glover and others, the town of Hampden faces an adverse judgement of between $250,000 and $500,000.
When this suit was being filed, I told her it would not succeed and would result in damages to the town. Despite my 17 years as an attorney, 12 of which I was also a state representative, and 15 years as a District Court judge, she told me I didn’t know what I was talking about. The judge’s decision echoed my assessment of the case. The only count open is a claim for attorney’s fees by the School Committee against the town of Hampden.
I attempted to meet with the selectmen on Nov. 30, 2020 to offer my legal opinion and a possible solution to this financial disaster. This meeting can be viewed on YouTube. Mrs. Glover’s misstatements about my experience are totally false.
As a District Court judge, I have written many opinions much more legally involved than this matter. The judge’s decision in this case was to the point, legally correct and there is no question she will assess damages against the Town of Hampden.
I recently met with Craig Rivest for an hour and a half as he was very open-minded and respectful of my legal opinions. If the selectmen had listened to me on Nov. 30, this matter may well have been resolved.
I am encouraging all taxpayers in Hampden to support Craig Rivest and put an end to this frivolous lawsuit.
Robert L. Howarth
Hampden
