Susan Batista reads a statement at the public portion of the 8/10/15 City Council Meeting
*Photo by Paul W. Wang

PERTH AMBOY – Resident Susan Batista has appeared at several Council Meetings asking why the lawsuit that she filed against the Mayor, Former Police Chief Benjamin Ruiz and other City Employees has not appeared on any other Council Agendas.

She told the Council at the 4:30 p.m. Caucus Meeting that they were all given a copy of the suit.

City Attorney Mark Blunda stated, “The Federal Law Suit of Batista vs. The City of Perth Amboy will be discussed in closed session. There is no obligation for the governing body to discuss lawsuits. They (The Council) can do so after the Disposition of the case.”

Later on during the evening, Batista read a statement where she gave a synopsis of her lawsuit and where she asked for the resignation of the Mayor. She also believed that the Police, “Are monitoring me and my computer.”

Blunda countered with, “Ms. Batista failed to mention that she was a defendant in a trial and Police Officers were subpoenaed to testify. The Court found no wrong doings on the part of the Police.

Batista in the past made reference in the past regarding the sunshine law where the public has to be informed of any suits filed against the City.

At a meeting held on 7/8/15 City Attorney Blunda stated “Lawsuits and claims are filed daily against the City. Depending on the claims or suits, some are forwarded to public insurance companies.”

At that same 7/8/15 meeting, Councilman Fernando  Gonzalez said, “I wanted to be aware of why we were being sued. I would like a copy of all suits against the City or any of their Employees.”

Blunda responded to Gonzalez stating, “You can give the Council all the lawsuits against the City, Employees or Departments. The information can come from the Clerk’s Office or the Law Office – Your preference.

The Amboy Guardian contacted Mayor Diaz by phone.

When asked what her comments were in reference to the Batista Lawsuit, Diaz stated, “The City Attorney (Mark Blunda) was the one who handled all the details. He was very thorough with his explanations considering this matter in the Council Meetings. If Ms. Batista has any issues with the Superior Court Judge’s decision,she should take it up with them.”

On Page 4 of this issue of the Amboy Guardian, you can read the statements read by Susan Batista and William Mason (who supports her) at the 8/10/15 Council Meeting.