Frivolous lawsuits cost Middletown taxpayers money The best advertisement for tort reform may well be operating in Middletown Township. Attorney Larry Loigman - another unsuccessful former Democrat candidate for the Township Committee - has made a career of suing Middletown Township on the most flimsy, frivolous of reasons. Over the past 15 years, he has brought suits against the township approximately 35 times, with almost all of the cases thrown out of court because they were either baseless or frivolous. Unfortunately, it has cost the township tens of thousands of dollars and countless hours to defend against these lawsuits. Even the few he succeeded on were so technical, the township simply repassed them without challenge. His most recent loss dealt with his contention that a sign to warn motorists that ducks crossed the road at a particular spot made it unsafe for motorists was improper. He lost after 10 years. Currently, Mr. Loigman is suing the township over the absolutely ridiculous question of whether a township position should be entitled "township" attorney or "municipal" attorney. While this may seem humorous in its absurdity, it is sobering when one considers the expense to the township to defend this frivolous lawsuit. Perhaps what is most distressing is the fact that Joe McGrath - close friend and political adviser to current Middletown Committeeman Patrick Short - has co-signed the suit with Mr. Loigman. Further, Mr. Short recently voted against an ordinance that would have saved Middletown substantial legal fees by having at least part of the suit rendered null and void. One can only wonder, if Mr. Short cast the lone dissenting vote against an ordinance that would save the township money out of allegiance to Mr. Loigman and Mr. McGrath. With property taxes in New Jersey the highest in the nation, it is imperative that people know and understand the pressure on municipal finances brought about by such frivolous lawsuits. The money expended by Middletown to defend against Mr. Loigman and Mr. McGrath's frivolous lawsuit comes directly from the taxpayer. Sadly, as long as individuals like Mr. Loigman and Mr. McGrath insist on wasting taxpayer dollars with such frivolous lawsuits, the real loser in these cases will continue to be the Middletown taxpayer. Michael Vitkansas Middletown