Easley filed Motions that were heard in the trial court last Friday attempting to postpone the promised final payment to retirees until after the Supreme Court rules on his fifth appeal. Easley, who is the Democrat nominee for Governor, wants the retirees to receive before the November 7th election an assurance of a partial payment of the illegal taxes. The court-appointed Independent Accountant estimated the cost of separate payouts at One to Two Million Dollars. Easley did not commit to pay the burden of additional costs, which will fall upon the retirees' settlement, unless Easley wins Appeal No. 5. They also unanimously disagreed with Mr. Easley's proposal for an extended series of partial payments.
Retirees contend the settlement funds are their property.
After 11 years they want their money now without further interference and delay by the Attorney General. The State's case so far has consumed over eleven years of trials, hearings and appeals. Over 134 attorneys and paralegals have worked over 60,000 hours for the retirees since the unconstitutional tax law was enacted in August 1989. He apparently thinks he can speak for the Plaintiffs. He fought us in every way for 10 years and now claims he wants to be our spokesperson.