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WikioA libel suit filed by a Union County official against The County Watcher, a local blog published by the Union County Watchdog Association, has been dismissed.
Sebastian D'Elia, a spokesman for Union County, filed the libel suit two years ago against Tina Renna, the president of the watchdog association, after a post on the County Watcher compared him to Adolf Hitler and questioned his sexuality, according to a report in The Star-Ledger.
Superior Court Judge Marianne Espinosa, sitting in Elizabeth, found the post "mean-spirited," "unflattering," and "poorly written," but not libelous. Espinosa found that D'Elia is a public figure and, as such, is fair game.
"Sadly, the old-fashioned ways of civil discourse and accountability are going the way of printed newspapers and record players," D'Elia told Ledger reporter Brian T. Murray after the Nov. 7 ruling. "Nevertheless, I do not regret pursuing a legal action. When confronted with an individual whose motives are purely malicious and vindictive, there can never be compromise."
Renna has been in a long running battle with the Democratic-controlled Union County government. Also named in the suit was Patricia Quattrocchi, a former Republican candidate for freeholder who works with Renna. The weekly Elizabeth Reporter, which printed the material as commentary, was also named in the case.
"This is a great victory for the First Amendment and the citizens of Union County,” Renna wrote in a post on the suit. “Pat and I will continue to shine a light on the inner-workings of county government and make sure it is exposed for what it is."
Philip J. Morin III, an attorney who represented the watchdog association, said D'Elia had not provided the court with proof that he suffered any damages.
“The decision further demonstrates that internet bloggers can challenge the actions of government officials and receive the same protections afforded to the traditional media,” Morin said.
