Judge slams Cavanagh, calls lawsuit against Warren Evans “frivolous, unnecessary”

DETROIT - A judge offered harsh remarks today and threatened sanctions before the campaign of Phil Cavanagh agreed to dismiss its own lawsuit that attempted to disenfranchise voters who have supported Warren C. Evans’ bid to become the next Wayne County Executive.

“I’m very unhappy with what’s happened here,” said Wayne County Circuit Court Chief Judge Robert Colombo, Jr. “You filed a second lawsuit which was unnecessary…I’m thinking, ‘what are you doing?’ why shouldn’t I sanction you and Mr. Cavanagh for filing a frivolous lawsuit?”

The judge added that, “someone running for county executive needs to make good decisions and not waste people’s time and money.”

The lawsuit, which sought to disqualify Evans’ candidacy, was the second one dismissed by Colombo. On Friday, the judge dismissed all claims of a suit that was filed by Republican Thomas Yack, who also tried to thwart Evans’ bid. Colombo affirmed Friday that Evans met the requirements to be on the ballot.

"We are pleased the court summarily dismissed Mr. Cavanagh's lawsuit, and the judge made it clear that this was a waste of time and money and about something other than the law,” said John Pirich, an election law expert and Evans’ attorney. “We are also in agreement with the court that his attorney even prosecuting this claim was sanction able.”

Evans, meanwhile, continued a busy weekend of campaigning; he participated in a ‘Hats off to Warren’ event Saturday attended by 150 female supporters including former Wayne County Clerk Teola Hunter, Dearborn City Council President Susan Dabaja and Missionary Hattie Humphrey; attended several meet-and-greets across the county and secured the endorsement of Rev. Solomon Kinloch of Triumph Church, whose churches have more than 20,000 members.

A lifelong public servant, Evans has worked and managed through some of the county’s toughest times. As sheriff, he managed a $150-million budget and 1,300 employees. As Detroit Police Chief, he helped to reduce violent crime by 27 percent. He also worked to protect city bus drivers and keep patrons safe. Evans’ efforts include halting foreclosures as sheriff; going after slumlords as an assistant prosecutor, and saving the juvenile detention facility from federal oversight.