An Amherstburg town councillor, who previously sued the town after he tripped on a sidewalk, has now threatened to sue a local business man for statements posted on Facebook.
A two-page document sent to BlackburnNews.com says the comments directed at Councillor Rick Fryer were allegedly posted earlier this spring by past president of the Amherstburg Chamber of Commerce Scott Deslippe on the Facebook group "Amherstburg Election Project."
"I was fairly upset over the fact that he wanted to get rid of the economic development position in the town," says Deslippe. "Being a business owner and a member of the chamber I feel there's a real need for that position, so I voiced my opinion on it."
A letter, dated April 29, 2015, to Deslippe from lawyer Americo Fernandes, states the Facebook comments about Fryer were defamatory. The letter states Fryer threatened to take legal action within 14 days if they were not removed.
Deslippe deleted the comments soon after he received the letter.
An anonymous source at Amherstburg Town Hall tells BlackburnNews.com council has recently met behind closed doors to discuss whether Fryer should be reimbursed for legal expenses incurred dealing with the issue.
Fryer refused to conduct a recorded interview, but tells BlackburnNews.com "there's more to the story than meets the eye." He says he plans to hold a news conference soon.
In 2006, Fryer sued the Town of Amherstburg, Union Gas and Aecon Utilities for $875,000 after he tripped on a sidewalk. The councillor received a $500,000 settlement in 2010.
