Candidate Files Defamation Claim

City Council candidate Donald D. Greek on Friday filed a $20-million claim for damages against the city of Orange in response to a city decision to sue him to recover money paid to his businesses while he was a planning commissioner.

The city said last week that it would seek to recover $104,000 paid to DGA Consultants Inc. and Don Greek & Associates while Greek was a commissioner.

Greek’s defamation claim contends that the city and its council members made false statements when they alleged that he violated a state conflict of interest code. His claim is a step in a preparing a lawsuit against the city.

“We’re being damaged by these accusations that are untrue,” Greek said, “and we need to seek retribution for the damage that’s been done.”

The claim called the city’s unanimous decision to sue Greek “ill-advised and precipitous.” It states that the council’s legal action was “politically motivated” because (Greek) dared to challenge incumbents Joanne Coontz and William Steiner in the Nov. 6 election.

“I am not surprised,” said Councilman Steiner. “I would think that Don Greek certainly has a right to defend his position.”