Letter to the editor: Why are Lillie, Republicans handing scandal's bill to the public?

The Minnesota Senate Republican Caucus – whose assistant leader is Sen. Ted Lillie – recently agreed to spend $85,000 in taxpayer money to defend itself in the sex scandal involving its former leader, Sen. Amy Koch, and former Senate staffer Michael Brodkorb.

Assistant Leader Lillie, who recently closed on a home in Woodbury for the purpose of running for an open Senate seat, is expecting Woodbury taxpayers to foot the bill. A recent Star Tribune editorial summed up the matter: "State statutes and Senate precedent say that the legal defense costs associated with employment-related suits are to be borne by the taxpayers. But decency and a sense of responsibility for public funds ought to say otherwise in this unusual case. The Koch-Brodkorb episode was a matter entirely internal to the Senate GOP family. Senate Republicans should feel obliged to spare taxpayers from the cost associated with cleaning up this mess." Yet Lillie has not asked that a private legal defense fund be set up to handle costs associated with this scandal.

In a Jan. 24, 2012 press release, Lillie said, "I am particularly proud of legislation that watches out for Minnesota taxpayers." Really? Is demanding that Woodbury taxpayers cover escalating legal costs for a sex scandal created by the caucus he leads something Lillie can point to with pride? Is this how Lillie "watches out" for Woodbury taxpayers? In another ironic statement, Lillie's campaign website says "Ted will promote fiscal restraint in St. Paul." Is expecting Woodbury taxpayers to pay for a Senate sex scandal "fiscal restraint?"

Woodbury taxpayers should demand an explanation from Lillie as to why he thinks it’s appropriate they pay for this sex scandal. Should you see Lillie out and about familiarizing himself with our community, make sure you ask him about this legal bill.

Cheryl Schneider - Woodbury

Tags: letters to the editor, opinion, updates