CHESTER – An attorney representing former Town of Chester Supervisor Robert Valentine has sent a Notice of Claim to the town and two of his former political rivals, claiming they defamed him during what he has called “a political stunt” last year.
The claim was filed on behalf of Valentine and his construction company, Valcon America Corp., in Orange County Supreme Court by his attorney Corinne Mullen. Filing a notice of claim is the first step to sue a municipality or government entity for a wrongful action.
The claims accuse current Town of Chester Supervisor Brandon Holdridge and Councilman Robert Courtenay of libel, slander, tortious interference with contract and tortious interference with economic advantage, civil harassment, caused by among other things, falsely claiming that Valentine and his company are corrupt and otherwise guilty of criminal conduct.
In the filing, Mullen contended that this resulted in loss of profits for Valentine and potential business prospects and defamation of personal and professional character.
“The town has referred the matter to counsel and will not be commenting any further,” Holdridge said.
Holdridge, a Democrat, and Courtenay, a Republican, held a news conference less than a month before last November’s election, alleging that Valentine may have used his position to benefit his family’s trucking and excavating company and himself on projects such as the Greens at Chester. Valentine denied the charges. Both Holdridge and Courtenay called for a probe into Valentine by Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler and Holdridge went on to beat Valentine in the election for Supervisor.
Courtenay had challenged Valentine in the Republican primary but lost. A review by the District Attorney this summer found “no overt signs of criminal activity.” Holdridge called the District Attorney’s Office findings “disappointing” and “incomprehensive.” Holdridge added that he was concerned that Hoovler appeared on a political mailer with Valentine last fall with other county officials.
Valentine declined to comment on Monday. However, after the district attorney’s findings were released in August, Valentine told Mid-Hudson News:
“Brandon Holdridge and Bob Courtenay lied about me for political purposes and tried to ruin my reputation. It was an outright hit job and they had no evidence to substantiate their claims. They should apologize to the residents of Chester and recant their comments.”
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