Legality of Ockomon’s Residency is Basis for Lawsuit

kpaul.mallasch — Wed, 9 Jan 2008 15:07:06 -0800

ANDERSON, IN - Plaintiffs in a lawsuit challenging the eligibility and qualifications of Kris Ockomon to serve as Anderson Mayor based upon statutory residency requirements are hoping for a speedy resolution to the case. A pre-trial conference via telephone is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Thursday, January 10. Special Judge Michael Peyton and attorneys for the plantiffs and defendants are expected to participate.

"Our question is whether Kris Ockomon was a legal resident of Anderson before he filed as a candidate for mayor," said John Suko, one of five plaintiffs. "Our actions are motivated by our concern about Mr. Ockomon's residency and our strong belief in the need for the courts to determine the issues raised by our lawsuit. At stake is the honesty, integrity and quality of Anderson city government. Will our city's future be based in deception or will it be based upon the needs of 58,000 residents?"

Speaking on behalf of the plaintiffs, Mr. Suko also voiced a desire for the speediest resolution possible to the legal question of Mr. Ockomon's residency. "We have instructed our legal counsel to work for an immediate trial on the issues so that our city may continue to build upon the successes of the past four years and hope that Mr. Ockomon's attorneys will do the same."

David Brooks, lead attorney for the plantiffs, said that actions by the defendant delayed efforts to hear the matter prior to January 1. Mayor Kevin S. Smith is cooperating with Mr. Ockomon to every extent possible to expedite a determination by the courts.

Source: Brooks Koch and Sorg Law Firm Press Release