Cortese court hearing set for Feb. 21

City attorney Deborah Phillips will represent White Salmon in the Superior Court session, while Cortese will be represented by his private attorney, Bill Eling of Vancouver.

Both sides have made motions for "summary judgment" in the lawsuit, brought by Cortese after being terminated from his job as police chief in April 2006. Cortese contends his termination was without cause.

Although it is possible the court hearing could go later, the session is not expected to last beyond noon, and it is not clear whether the judge will make a decision in court that day.

"Oftentimes in these situations, the court will take the case under advisement, and make a decision later," said Eling.

Phillips noted that judges often give their decisions in writing after they've had time to review all the information pertaining to the case.

Eling has asked the court to reinstate Cortese as police chief with back pay from the date when he was removed from the position in April 2006.

"This is not a damage action. We will be limited to asking for wages and compensation while he was off," Eling explained.

If the judge rules in favor of the city of White Salmon, Eling pointed out that that would not necessarily bring an end to the proceedings.

"If that happens, Rich wouldn't be getting his job back, but it would raise a different legal issue. It would not be over at that point," Eling said.

Eling added that Cortese was anxious to resolve the case.

"It's a hard situation for anyone to be in. He'd like to get on with his life," he said.

The court session will be open to the public.