Trumbull Firm Wins Jury Trial over Unfair Trade Practices

The Trumbull law firm of Owens, Schine & Nicola has won a jury verdict against the city of Bridgeport regarding its handling of hiring a company to locate motor vehicle tax registration violations.

A Bridgeport Superior Court jury recently found Bridgeport violated the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act and awarded Harry R. Mottram and his company, CTTFB, Inc. the plaintiffs, $129,000, said his lawyers, Edward V. Walsh and Darin Callahan

Mottram will also be seeking an award for attorney fees, Walsh said.

Bridgeport's attorney, Errol Skyers, referred comment to City Attorney Mark Anastasi, who was not immediately available for comment. But Attorney Art Laske, who also represents Bridgeport, said the city is challenging the verdict.

"After five long years of litigation, Mr. Mottram, who created the business idea of providing Motor Vehicle Tax Identification Services, stated, 'Justice prevailed; the jury sent a message that the unfair acts and practices of the city of Bridgeport will not be tolerated,'" Walsh said in a statement.

Walsh said Mottram and his company, CTTFB, Inc., sued the city in 2006 after he was unable to bid for the job of locating motor vehicle tax registration violations in 2005. It was given to another company without being put out for bid.

Mottram then called Bernd Tardy, acting purchasing director, who emailed several city officials without result, Walsh said.

"Mr. Mottram was wrongfully denied his right and opportunity as a businessman to competitively bid on a contract for a business service that he pioneered. America is a land of hope and dreams and the jury's verdict ... speaks to fairness and justice," Walsh said.

The suit originally cited numerous individuals but they were not found liable, Walsh said.

Bridgeport’s motion to set aside the jury award is scheduled to be heard on  Sept. 27 in the  Bridgeport Superior Court, according to the state Judicial Branch website.