A new development Monday night in the continuing dispute between Shawnee Township trustees and Fire Chief Austin Miller. A statement from the Trustee’s says Miller has filed Three lawsuits against the Township in the last Two weeks.Â
In turn, the Trustees have now retained an Attorney who specializes in this area of the law, who can represent the Township. The statement also says the Trustees are working to resolve the matter in a timely manner, and further claim Miller's Legal action is calculated to burden the Township's administrative and financial capacity, and take focus away from allegations against Miller.
Just last week we reported the Ohio Supreme Court ordered the complaint filed by Miller against the Trustees to go to mediation.
STATEMENT OF SHAWNEE TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES:
Fire Chief Austin Miller has filed three lawsuits against Shawnee Township in the last two weeks. The Trustees have retained an attorney who specializes in this area of law to represent the Township. The Trustees are working diligently to ensure a timely resolution in this matter.
To be clear, the Trustees respect Chief Miller's constitutional right to counsel and right to file any actions he deems necessary. However, these recent filings have not been made in good faith. They are meant to delay the process and pressure the Township into ignoring the allegations of serious misconduct against Chief Miller. These actions are also calculated to burden the Township's administrative and financial capacity while seeking to take the public's focus away from the allegations against Chief Miller. Chief Miller's constitutional rights have not been violated. Chief Miller's due process rights have not been violated. chief Miller has received his full pay and benefits while on administrative leave.
The Trustees understand that this is a matter of great interest and concern among its residents. The Trustees are committed to transparency and will provide all relevant documents and information at the appropriate time. The Trustees appreciate the confidence placed in us by the community and will continue to uphold this trust, as well as our duty to the Township's residents and employees.
