WHAT NOW RUSTON?

TOWN OF RUSTON
08-2-10459-7
DEF
STEVE FABRE VS. TOWN OF RUSTON
07/18/08

Let's look back:

Point Defiance Cafe and Casino (Casino) wins lawsuit vs. Chinese Christian Church (settlement)

Point Defiance Cafe and Casino wins lawsuit vs. Ruston Connection (settlement)

Council persons visit Casino objecting to their sign

Council person proposes 20 percent tax on Casino

Council reduces tax to 12 percent, bypassing second reading, no public input (emergency)

Tax increase passes on 3-1 vote Council person Jim Hedrick voting NO - was rushed through

Point Defiance Cafe and Casino files for injunction to keep operating until case heard on merits

Injunction is denied as Ruston Town Attorney refuses to stipulate YES as to 3-1 vote in council

Point Defiance Cafe and Casino closes gambling operation

thirty five (35) employees of Casino are out of jobs

Ruston loses it's largest taxpayer, $20,000 per year, $100,000 five years

Point Defiance Cafe and Casino files $9.6 million lawsuit (above) vs. Town of Ruston

Attorney for Point Defiance Cafe and Casino prevailed in two previous lawsuits (settlements)

Judge dismisses Ruston request for SUMMARY JUDGMENT

Orders attorneys to meet and set trial date check with court

If Casino attorney wins lawsuit Casino vs. Ruston it will be three in a row

Possible outcome $9.6 million is awarded no settlement:

• Ruston School and land including leases awarded to Casino
  
• Ruston will have to lease community center and council meeting room and Police station
  
• Ruston Town Hall awarded to Casino
  
• Ruston will have to lease it back, lease back fire Department area


• Fireman's residence (house) awarded to Casino, Ruston lease back
  
• Fire engine, police cars, maintenance area and equipment awarded to Casino, lease back


• $4.2 million in trust (Commencement land sale) awarded to Point Defiance Cafe and Casino


• Anything else the Town owns, fax machine, office equipment to Casino, buy back or sold
  

If a settlement is negotiated the Town may have to choose between the $4.2 million dollars or the Ruston School and land and leases.

How did we get here? Pique over a sign or payback for two winning lawsuits

What else it means: No paved alley for Dan. No sewer replacement for Wayne. No street lights for Jane. For Ruston residents goodbye Ruston hello Pierce County, want us or not.

From The News Tribune Friday June 6, 2008 page B4 editorial "HOW NOT TO RUN A CITY COUNCIL" two quotes "The sad state of Ruston politics shows what happens local government is divided by factions." Continuing, "Gone are any real voices of dissent, and with them, any clain the council has to be truly representative." Also attached RUSTON BALLLOONS TAX ON ITS CASINO.

What a sad state we are in. In all the budget discussions not one word about lawsuits or out of sight attorney costs. Wonder why?