I have reviewed the written opinion of Sullivan County Legislator Robert Doherty in the October 5- 11 edition of the River Reporter. Mr. Doherty had recently lost a defamation court case filed by another Sullivan County Legislator. Mr. Doherty dubiously claims he accepts the jury decision, but then he proceeds to rehash the allegations against him that he lost in court.

After a duly appointed jury heard testimony, after it weighed the credibility of all witnesses, after it listened to all arguments of counsel, and after the jury received necessary legal instructions from the judge, the jury unanimously ruled against Mr. Doherty.

Mr. Doherty’s only legal remedy was an appeal to a higher court to attempt to overturn the jury’s credibility findings—a very difficult burden. Mr. Doherty’s legal remedies do NOT include the option of a failed attempt to retry the case in the pages of a newspaper.

Mr. Doherty lost his case hands down, fair and square. A jury of his peers summarily rejected his defenses. To quote Mr. Doherty’s written opinion: “Plainly, this is how our judicial system works.” It did not work to his favor. The jury found him lacking in credibility. The jury found him guilty.

Mr. Doherty then insists that he “did not lose, as no damages were awarded.” This statement is quite deceptive. Mr. Doherty fails to concede that there were no money damages because the victorious plaintiff did NOT SEEK money damages.

Mr. Doherty would like the public to think he is a champion of women in government. A sworn jury did not believe him. That should be good enough for the rest of us in Sullivan County.

Let us hope that defamation and deception will never again be a part of our Sullivan County Legislature.

Galen W. Booth

Wurtsboro, NY