NEWS
MONTGOMERY COUNTY OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
COURT HOUSE, NORRISTOWN, PA., BOX 311, 19404-0311
PHONE (610) 278-3061 FAX 278-5943
COMMISSIONERS:
JAMES R. MATTHEWS, Chairman, JOSEPH M. HOEFFEL, Vice Chairman, BRUCE L. CASTOR, JR, Commissioner
RELEASE: IMMEDIATELY 06/16/08 PR#08-20
Barnes Proceedings
The Montgomery County Commissioners received the following e-mail regarding the Barnes Foundation from their solicitor, Barry Miller, Friday afternoon:
“Commissioners: After reviewing the Court opinions, case law, pleadings, e-mails and other communications, I respectfully suggest that we do NOT file a notice of appeal and appeal from Judge Ott’s Order. I believe that our common goal can best be achieved through other means.”
Commissioners Chairman James R. Matthews and Commissioner Joseph M. Hoeffel both indicated that they do not plan to file a notice of appeal and released the following statements.
Montgomery County Commissioners Chairman James R. Matthews
“We’ve exhausted any real chance of overturning Judge Ott’s decision. I just can’t see how antagonizing the Barnes Foundation with virtually-hopeless litigation will help us negotiate an arrangement where Lower Merion and Philadelphia share the collection.
Montgomery County Commissioner Joseph M. Hoeffel
"We do not have a reasonable expectation of reversing the four-year-old court decision allowing the Barnes to build a gallery in Philadelphia. Any further appeal of the recent decision denying standing for the county could bring sanctions against the county taxpayers. We should now work with all parties to keep as much as possible of the Barnes operation in Montgomery County."
