James Freed and ICMA issue multiple statements about lawsuit | Ep. 71

City Manager Unfiltered

Things are heating up in the battle between Port Huron City Manager James Freed and the ICMA over the last two weeks. The two-year saga began in June 2022 when the ICMA publicly censured Freed and stripped him of his credential. Freed countered with a lawsuit alleging the ICMA engaged in a conspiracy to defame him.

On September 5, 2024, Freed sent out an email along with a 21-page court filing. See link in the show notes.

On Friday the 6th, the ICMA issued its first public statement on the lawsuit mentioning James Freed by name and referencing yours truly indirectly.

On Monday the 9th, Freed and the ICMA once again made public statements. Freed addressed his employees at an annual luncheon and spoke about the lawsuit and upcoming trial. His remarks were about 20 minutes long and have been included in this podcast.

Additionally, the ICMA's director of advocacy pubished an article on its website. Jason Grant argued that public censures were not punitive and defended the organization. However, the final paragraph signaled to me thta the organization is preparing to settle with Freed while trying to save face.

SHOW NOTES:

James Freed Court Filing and Public Statements:

• Freed Email Statement and Court Filing
• Video of James Freed addressing ICMA issue

ICMA Public Statements & Court Filing

• LinkedIn Post
• In Defense of the ICMA Code of Ethics by Jason Grant, Director of Advocacy
• Court Filing

Additional Information about James Freed vs ICMA

• Main Reference Page

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