Local man sues City of Polson
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POLSON — Local resident Rory Horning filed suit last week in District Court against the City of Polson. The complaint alleges Horning was denied his Constitutional rights to peaceably protest governmental action, to participate in the operation of city government and to free speech. Horning is seeking damages to compensate for his injuries.
The suit alleges that, “On or about May 18, 19 and 20, 2011, Polson City Attorney James Raymond and City Manager Todd Crossett conspired with malice aforethought,” to exclude Horning from attending Polson City Commission meetings.
This charge stems from a temporary order of protection granted by Justice of the Peace Chuck Wall, which required Horning to stay 1,500 feet away from Crossett, his wife and two children.
The temporary order of protection was issued after Horning apparently approached Crossett after a city council meeting on May 18, 2011, and made intimidating remarks.
Horning did not attend the June 6, 2011, city commission meeting due to the justice court order, which allegedly denied Horning’s Constitutional rights. Wall’s court dismissed Crossett’s petition on June 8, 2011.
Horning also alleges that Mayor Pat DeVries should not have asked him to leave the Polson City Commission meeting on June 20, 2011, since he obeyed the rules and the other person did not.
According to a Valley Journal article about the incident, Horning was asked to leave because he repeatedly interrupted another speaker.
In the suit, Horning also asks for compensation for public humiliation and embarrassment. A jury trial was requested.
