Defamation suit filed against Gilberts village president
A Woodstock-based construction company is suing Gilberts Village President Tom Wajda, claiming he defamed the business in a political campaign flier.
Merryman Excavation, Inc., seeks at least $50,000 in damages through the lawsuit filed Tuesday in Kane County court.
The complaint says Wajda published and distributed a leaflet throughout Gilberts accusing Merryman and Wajda's village president rival, Rick Zirk, of attempting to extort more than $1.58 million from the village through a lawsuit.
The leaflet, a play on MasterCard's "Priceless" commercials, then touts the $6 annual tax increase included in the upcoming budget that will pay for parks and public services.
"Re-electing Tom Wajda Gilberts Village President" Priceless," the flier reads.
The suit calls the leaflet "false" and "concerning," adding that the statement is "so obviously harmful to the Plaintiff that injury to its reputation is presumed."
"My client will vigorously pursue his legal rights," said Robert Hanlon, a Woodstock attorney representing Merryman Excavation.
Wajda did not immediately return calls for comment Wednesday.
<div class="infoBox"> <h1>More Coverage</h1> <div class="infoBoxContent"> <div class="infoArea"> <h2>Related documents</h2> <ul class="morePdf"> <li><a href="/pdf/wajdadocument.pdf">Campaign flier in question</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div>