By Rob South, WKAR News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkar/local-wkar-880032.mp3
LANSING, MI – LANSING, MI - (WKAR) - An attorney for Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero is looking to have a lawsuit against the mayor thrown out of court. Bernero is being sued for fraud by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers local 665. AUDIO: IBEW local president Scott Clark says when the union donated $5,000 to the City Administrative Account in 2006, he was under the impression it would help fund charities and other humanitarian efforts. Clark says he was unaware the account was actually a 527 political action committee.
Mayor Bernero used the account for travel, gifts and other expenses not paid for by the city. Michael Hodge is representing Bernero. He says the City Administrative Account is a "corporation" And that Bernero can't be sued over the actions of the PAC.
The union's attorney, Tom Byerley, says the motion to dismiss the lawsuit is based more on the technicalities of contract law, than it is on the facts of the case.
Bernero's attorney has until mid-March to file the motion.