Alabama council critic files $100,000 lawsuit against city

The Associated Press

10.07.99

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FLORENCE, Ala. — A woman who was acquitted last month of obstructing governmental operations after refusing to be quiet at a Florence City Council meeting has filed a $100,000 lawsuit against the city.

Elizabeth Romine, 75, a frequent critic of the council, signed the claim on Oct. 4 at the Lauderdale County Detention Center, where she is serving a six-month jail sentence on an unrelated charge.

The lawsuit accuses the city of violating her rights of free speech, freedom of expression and right to petition the government for redress of grievances when she was arrested during an April 6 council meeting.

Romine was addressing the council during a five-minute public comment period when she was ruled out of order by Council President Steve Pierce for statements she made to another council member.

She was arrested and charged with obstructing governmental operations, a misdemeanor offense.

Romine was convicted of the charge in municipal court but later was acquitted by a jury in Lauderdale County Circuit Court.

She states in her lawsuit that the arrest subjected her to humiliation and ridicule.

Romine was jailed Sept. 24 after she failed to obey a court order to remove junk and litter from a residence she owns.

City attorney Bill Musgrove declined comment.