I'm meeting with a local councillor next week (small city in Alberta, Canada)to discuss our communities Y2K preparedness or lack of it. I am hoping someone here can assist me with a question I have. As directors of corporations can be sued by a customer or shareholder for negligence, is it possible for an elected public official (municipal councillor)to be sued by a member of the public for losses occuring due to Y2K unpreparedness or can the public only go after the city manager / employees for loss suffered? The councillor is a good man who I don't think has any clue about what he will be facing in the next 6 to 18 months.

-- Craig (craig@ccinet.ab.ca), September 04, 1998

Answers

I'm no lawyer, but I believe you would just sue the city itself.

-- Buddy Y. (buddy@bellatlantic.net), September 04, 1998.

Expect to see a LOT of legislation passed that will exempt government and governmental officials from being held liable in Y2K lawsuits. These folks are masters of CYA.

-- Uncle Deedah (oncebitten@twiceshy.com), September 04, 1998.

Why line the pockets of lawyers with law suits? The scope of the situation will be so complex and overwhelming, that corporations, local, state, and federal governments will be exempt from any negligence due to Y2K. My sister manages properties (high rise buildings in San Francisco), and she has received letters from several insurance companies with disclosures on Y2K. In essence, they will not be responsible for any malfunctions of elevators, heating and air conditioning units, etc., or injuries due to any such malfunctions. Also, you will see many bankruptcies take place when law suits are filed.

-- Bardou (bardou@baloney.com), September 05, 1998.