A member of the Buffalo Trace Area Development District Board of Directors has filed a lawsuit in Mason Circuit Court accusing Maysville Mayor David Cartmell of making "malicious and derogatory statements," concerning his tenure on the board.
The lawsuit, styled William M. Boggs vs. David Winn Cartmell was filed Friday, according to court records, and evolved from a recent election for a BTADD board position.
During the election held at BTADD offices, Boggs was the county's nominee for reappointment to the board. The city put forth its nominee, Valerie Bennett-Jones for the same seat. Following a vote, Boggs was reappointed.
The complaint filed by attorneys Mark A. Schumacher and Jeffrey L. Schumacher, says Boggs "enjoys a reputation in this community as exhibiting the utmost integrity, honesty and fairness..." It goes on to point out that Boggs has been involved in the community through civic organizations, political offices and other institutions.
Boggs is a former mayor and city commission member in Maysville.
The suit contends Cartmell made "false, malicious and derogatory statements to at least one individual in Maysville ... regarding (Boggs) actions while a board member of (BTADD)...," claiming Boggs was "asked to resign" his seat on the board because "he had stolen money."
The suit alleges Cartmell made the statements knowing the allegations were false. The suit also contends the executive director of the district told Boggs all audits of the agency are "clean and clear and show no theft by any kind by (Boggs) or anyone else." The statements from Cartmell were made "intentionally, maliciously and were specifically intended ... to cause the plaintiff to suffer cruel and unjust hardship and public humiliation ...," the complaint alleges.
In an affidavit from Bennett-Jones, she said she was approached by Cartmell to gauge her interest in the BTADD board seat and was told Boggs was being asked to resign because he had "stolen money." She also said it was her understanding that two seats were available on the board, and that she would be appointed to one of them. It was not until she arrived at the meeting that she learned there was only one seat open, she said.
In her statement, Bennett-Jones said she was embarrassed by the situation because of her friendship with Boggs and that Cartmell "basically threw me under the bus."
In the lawsuit, Boggs is asking for trial by jury, judgment against Cartmell in "an amount in excess of the jurisdictional limits of this court," for punitive damages, his costs including attorney fees and for "any and all other just relief..."
Reached late Friday, attorney Jeffrey Schumacher declined to comment on his client's behalf, citing pending litigation.
Cartmell did not return messages left on his cell phone voice mail.
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