Groon, Gould Defend Borough; Debate Sparked Question

WILDWOOD CREST ─ “We’d like to take this opportunity to correct false accusations against the Borough regarding two lawsuits in Wildwood Crest.” These words, printed in a paid political ad in the Nov. 1 issue of the Herald, came from Mayor Carl Groon and newly re-elected Commissioner Joyce Gould, refuting “false accusations.”
At the Oct. 29 Wildwood Crest Commissioners Candidates’ debate, commissioners and candidates were asked about two lawsuits facing the municipality.
Though the suits are in litigation, the Herald contacted Gould, borough Administrator Constance Mahon, and borough Solicitor Doreen Corino.
According to Gould, the ad addressed the borough’s position on the situations.
“First, in one of the lawsuits, all the legal expenses were within the in-house budget appropriation causing no additional cost to the taxpayers.”
When asked for further details, Mahon said she could not comment upon matters in litigation.
According to Corino, the matter regarding Jason Mitchell involves administrative law. Corino could not speak for the second suit as it is being handled by the Atlantic County Joint Insurance Fund, otherwise known as JIF.
Corino said Mitchell claims the borough did not provide him with employment after filing for disability. Corino said Mitchell did not accept “reasonable accommodation” in another post offered by the borough.
Mitchell claims he is entitled to benefits and Corino awaits transcripts from a recent hearing.
The second lawsuit refers to the Hunt case, involving former Wildwood Police Sgt. Thomas Hunt.
Hunt was terminated April 5, 2012, and has since filed a civil suit. Defendants in the case include Groon, the borough, and former chief of police Thomas DePaul.
Gould and Groon emphasized in their ad, “In the second lawsuit (Hunt case), it is being alleged that the borough could be liable for millions if it’s unsuccessful in its defense.”
Gould told the Herald that under the JIF if the borough’s defense proves unsuccessful, borough taxpayers are responsible for a “maximum” of $70,000.
However, if other measures are taken by borough leaders, “any other approach could jeopardize the borough’s full insurance coverage.” 
David Thompson, victorious in the Nov. 7 election, will join Gould and re-elected Commissioner Don Cabrera in January on Borough Commission.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.