Epping Taxpayers on the hook for frivolous lawsuit!

NH Attorney Eric A. Maher, from Donahue, Tucker & Ciandella, recently filed a lawsuit on behalf of his client, the Town of Epping, NH in Rockingham Superior Court, claiming violations of NH RSA 91-A, proving he knows nothing of Right-to-Know Laws (RTK).

Maher's true objective in filing the lawsuit, however, has nothing to do with any alleged violation of RTK, as none have been committed. What Maher is attempting to accomplish by filing the lawsuit is the shielding of documents from public inspection.

Of great concern for Epping taxpayers, those undoubtedly on the hook for legal fees and other costs associated with this lawsuit must be who authorized the lawsuit to be filed and why.
Epping will lose their frivolous lawsuit as it lacks merit. Unfortunately, Attorney Maher will still get paid for his services. This is all bad news for Epping taxpayers will be footing the bill for a meritless lawsuit.

The request that allegedly prompted the lawsuit sought to inspect all of the emails, sent or received between Town Attorney John Ratigan and any member of the Epping Board of Selectmen as well as invoices for legal services.

First and foremost, all of the requested records are public documents. If redactions need to be made that’s fine, however, the public has a right to inspect these documents. After all, the public owns them and they must hold their public officials accountable for their actions.
I encourage every citizen, especially Epping residents who are footing the bill, to file RTK requests for these same records with Epping Town Administrator, Jake Roger.

I believe, based on the refusal of the town to comply with RTK and then filing the meritless lawsuit, Epping has something to hide. Let's find out what it is.

Jeffrey Thomas Clay