Rock Hill

To the editor:

In light of the 21 September 2023 unanimous jury verdict finding that Chairman Doherty defamed Legislator Alvarez, your urgent action is needed on behalf of all county residents.

Remove Doherty From Chairmanship Now 

Voters will decide in a matter of weeks whether Doherty returns to this body, but failing to remove him from leadership now would send the message that this legislature remains unwilling to hold itself accountable while indifferent to the liability Doherty poses for all of us.

Post Jury Verdict to County website. 

That Doherty’s vile and defaming 22 January 2021 press release he posted to the county website was eventually removed after mass public outcry is no excuse for failing to post the jury’s findings on the same public assets he abused in furtherance of his aim to smear Alvarez.

Doherty Should Reimburse Taxpayers

Because the jury verdict makes clear Doherty’s conduct had nothing to do with duties of his office, he needs to reimburse county taxpayers for saddling us with thousands of dollars in legal fees associated with the litigation. 

Public Deliberation

Because the jury verdict is now a matter of public record, proceedings pursuant to these actions shouldn’t be shrouded behind executive sessions.  With elections for county legislator just weeks away, voters must have information for informed decisions well in advance of their vote, including where all candidates stand on these and related actions.