Ohio Supreme Court Weighs In On Lakewood Hospital Lawsuit

LAKEWOOD, OH — The Ohio Supreme Court dismissed a motion for reconsideration on the case of State Senator Michael Skindell vs Mary Louise Madigan, et al. The court previously decided not to hear the case on Oct. 31, 2017.

The lawsuit alleges misconduct on the part of Lakewood City Council, and its then president Madigan, and sought to block the destruction of Lakewood Hospital. Specifically, Skindell alleges there were closed-door meetings that paved the way for the shutting down of Lakewood Hospital.

However, Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge Stuart A. Friedman found that a public vote was taken on the issue, and several public discussions were held. He noted that some negotiations are allowed to be conducted in private and denied Skindell an injunction.

Skindell hoped to appeal Friedman's decision to the Ohio Supreme Court, but the court declined to hear the case. Two members of the Ohio Supreme Court dissented with that opinion and wanted to accept the case. Those members were Justice Terrence O'Donnell and Chief Justice Maureen O'Connor.

Yet it was O'Connor who signed the dismissal of the reconsideration on Feb. 14.

Skindell did not immediately return Patch's request for comment.

Photo from Rick Uldricks, Patch