'Unethical Threats' From Burr Ridge Mayor: Lawyer

BURR RIDGE, IL – Burr Ridge Mayor Gary Grasso leveled "unethical threats" against a resident who filed a challenge to the mayor's election petition in 2021, a lawyer says.

Last year, Grasso, a Republican congressional candidate, sued resident Steven Mueller. He accused Mueller of filing a frivolous challenge to his petition.

In Illinois, challenges are filed over small issues with petitions, including whether page numbers are included. In the Burr Ridge matter, Grasso prevailed.

Grasso's lawsuit was dismissed, with a DuPage County judge saying the court had no jurisdiction. Grasso is appealing.

Last June, Grasso, a lawyer, emailed Mueller's attorney, Neal Smith, titling the message "FOR RESOLUTION PURPOSES ONLY."

"My informal discussions w(ith) others about Mr. Mueller ... led me to the conclusion that he would not spend the money for an election challenge — even a valid one," Grasso said. "I understand he is quite frugal. I also understand his acquaintances include the person or person(s) who convinced Mr. Mueller to file the challenge."

Grasso said he would not pursue his litigation if Mueller revealed who was behind the effort.

The mayor's email has been the focus of Smith's defense of his client.

In a brief filed last week, Smith said abuses of the legal system are rarely as clear as what Grasso did.

"Grasso's extortionate goal: make Mueller feel financial pain until Mueller divulged information that Grasso did not have a right to know," said Smith, who is with the Chicago-based Robbins Schwartz law firm. "Grasso unambiguously states that if Mueller gives Grasso the information sought, Grasso will stop making Mueller spend money to defend the litigation."

Smith added, "Apparently feeling invincible and unlikely to face consequences, Grasso has not been shy about communicating his unethical threats in his pleadings, in open court, and in emails among counsel."

Smith said the legal system should not be used for extorting information from citizens like Mueller who take part in the electoral process.

Smith asked the appeals court to require Grasso to pay all his client's legal costs.

He also requested the court consider whether the record of the case should be referred to the state's disciplinary commission for attorneys.

In his legal briefs, Grasso said Mueller violated a court rule requiring secrecy of settlement communications. But Smith said that rule does not apply if a party is acting in bad faith.

The village government is not involved in Grasso's litigation with Mueller.

Representing Grasso is Adam Bowers, who is with the Hinsdale-based Grasso law firm.

"It's a pending matter on appeal," Bowers said in a phone interview Wednesday. "As a pending matter, we're a little disappointed this has been released out to the press before the court has made its determination."

Bowers had no further comment.

Grasso's lawsuit against Mueller is not the only one that has attracted attention in recent weeks.

In April, a DuPage County judge threatened Grasso with contempt of court, suggesting the mayor was acting like a child.

The judge apologized later in the hearing.

In that case, Grasso filed a defamation lawsuit against former Burr Ridge Trustee Zach Mottl.

Grasso is running in the 6th Congressional District Republican primary, which is June 28. His opponents include Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau.