Rule of Law - the Sherrie Le Case

Some of us grew up thinking that when 'they' break the law, 'someone' will do something. As it turns out, for vast areas of the law that 'someone' is you. No agency, sheriff, or anyone else in a white hat is going to step in and make it better. It is up to you. You get to put your money, time, and reputation on the line to stand up and insist that the lawbreaking not go unpunished.

This week it is former Maplewood HR Director Sherrie Le's turn. She has charged that the City of Maplewood, Greg Copeland, and Diana Longrie broke both the MN Whistleblower and PELRA statutes when she was terminated in August 2006. Today the bench trial being heard by Judge Gearin enters its third day. So far, we have heard from Ms. Le herself, former City Manager Richard Fursman, and Dr. David Schultz. Then union representative and now BMS mediator Mike Stockstead has just begun his testimony. Since key witness Karen Guilfoile, Maplewood's City Clerk, is on vacation, it will be at least sometime next week before all the testimony and arguments have been presented for Judge Gearin's consideration.

More later.