NEW CUMBERLAND, W.Va. (AP) - Chester Mayor Larry Forsythe's lawsuit against Chester City Council members has been set for mediation and, if that fails, a trial.
The Weirton Daily Times reports Judge David Sims scheduled the trial for Sept. 20 but said the case also qualified for civil mediation. The parties must give the court written notice if they object to mediation or can't agree on a mediator.
Forsythe is suing the five council members over a series of "dereliction of duty" charges they filed against him during the July 6 council meeting. The five charges alleged that Forsythe had refused to carry out certain duties since taking office in July 2014.
Forsythe is asking for a jury trial, punitive damages and all other damages allowed by law.
Information from: The Weirton Daily Times, http://www.weirtondailytimes.com