6 Alabama judges disqualify themselves from hearing lawsuit over state computer contract
By APThursday, November 19, 2009
6 Ala. judges recuse themselves from Paragon suit
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The six circuit judges in Montgomery County have disqualified themselves from hearing a lawsuit filed by a legislative oversight committee seeking to stop a $13 million no-bid computer contract.
The judges said in a one paragraph order released Wednesday that they all know defendants and plaintiffs in the case personally or professionally. It will be up to Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb to appoint a judge to hear the lawsuit.
The Legislature’s Contract Review Committee and its chairman — Democratic Rep. Alvin Holmes of Montgomery — filed the lawsuit against Gov. Bob Riley, Acting State Finance Director Bill Newton and the company, Paragon Source LLC.
It asks a judge to immediately stop Paragon Source from doing any work or receiving payment.
