Tulsa's mayor changes stance on settlement of Great Plains Airline's debt

Tulsa Mayor Bill LaFortune has announced a sudden change of position over whether the city should settle the debt from bankrupt Great Plains Airlines. <br/><br/>Mayor Bill LaFortune: "I have always believed

Thursday, November 10th 2005, 6:17 am

By: News On 6

Tulsa Mayor Bill LaFortune has announced a sudden change of position over whether the city should settle the debt from bankrupt Great Plains Airlines.

Mayor Bill LaFortune: "I have always believed it is in the best interest of the City that this litigation be concluded, and I continue to support such a settlement."

In a statement, the Mayor repeated his belief that it's in the best interest of the city to avoid a lawsuit and settle the debt.

However, he says the Tulsa city attorney has issued an opinion advising the city against proceeding with a resolution. "I will not support a settlement of the lawsuit at this time. â€œBased on that legal opinion, the Mayor says he will not support a settlement of the lawsuit right now."

The Tulsa city attorney says the proposed settlement may not be enforceable, and the city and the Mayor could still be exposed to lawsuits.