Radio Roundtable Discusses Etel Haxhiaj Verdict and $35M Worcester–Holden Sewer Ruling

“I spent my whole life thinking that being a lawyer was doing something moral… So did I just spend my whole life just instituting rules that are not based in morality.”

By-Hank Stolz

Photo-Radio Worcester

Worcester, MA- The Radio Roundtable featuring Randy Feldman, George Russell and Robert Amorello spoke about the verdict in the Etel Haxhiaj case and why in the eyes of the law the jury got it right. They also go into the politics surrounding the case. Robert Amorello argued that the court correctly applied the rigid and unforgiving standard of the law in the Haxhiaj case, where an unconsented touching constituted assault and battery, regardless of moral justifications. He noted that what is legal is not always moral, and vice versa. “I spent my whole life thinking that being a lawyer was doing something moral… So did I just spend my whole life just instituting rules that are not based in morality.” – Randy Feldman, reflecting on the distinction between law and morality after hearing the legal analysis of the case. Randy, after addressing deep moral questions, got it down to that the case was fundamentally about not taking matters into one’s own hands and that it highlighted the absolute need for a civilian review board for the Worcester Police Department to ensure fair processes and oversight. George Russell said stated that as a city councilor, one has the same rights as any other citizen but no special powers to direct city employees. He expressed respect for Haxhiaj’s conviction but disagreed with her actions. He argued with Randy that the Worcester City Council already serves as a civilian review board.

On the judgement that went against Worcester and means that the city owes Holden in excess of thirty million dollars, George Russell said “The people in the businesses of the city of Worcester are going to see astronomical probably more than double water bills as a result of this action.” The court decision ordering the City of Worcester to pay $35 million to the town of Holden for overcharging on sewage services goes back over thirteen years. The panelists discussed the history of the agreement, the city’s legal arguments, the principle of unjust enrichment, and the potential catastrophic financial impact on Worcester’s water and sewer ratepayers. The show also included calls from listeners who offered their perspectives on both issues.