Two lawyers from Ald. Bob Fioretti’s former law firm are suing the 2nd Ward alderman, alleging that he skipped out on paying them while channeling cash to his campaign.

The lawsuit alleges that Fioretti and his former law partner, John Lower, owe their ex-employees Paul Peldyak and Charles Brizzolara roughly $100,000 in unpaid wages, commission and expenses from 2008 through 2011.

The firm they worked for, Fioretti and Lower, shut down in June.

Peldyak said in the lawsuit that the firm took in enough money to pay them, but it was diverted to other causes.

“Wages and other payments were not paid to them when due, because Fioretti and Lower used and diverted such funds to their own use, including payment of personal rented cars, club dues, and funds lent to Fioretti’s aldermanic campaign … and otherwise treated the entity of F & L as their personal bank account,” the suit said.

Illinois State Board of Elections records show that the firm of Fioretti, Lower and Carbonara loaned the alderman’s first campaign $90,000 in 2007 — only slightly less than half of which had been paid back. He also loaned his campaign $85,000, none of which he’s paid himself back for.

In a phone interview, Peldyak said there are no hard feelings between himself and the alderman — he’d just like what he’s due.

“It’s a business matter,” Peldyak said. “I’m just looking to be paid, that’s all. Hard feelings get you nowhere, hate and anger get you nowhere.”

Fioretti did not return calls requesting comment on Friday afternoon.

---

By How many lawsuits does this guy have? from Just treat people fairly!
Posted: 10/19/2011 4:56 PM

Second lawsuit filed in closure of Alderman Fioretti's law firm: http://www.chicagobusiness.com/section/blogs?blogID=greg-hinz&plckController=Blog&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&uid=1daca073-2eab-468e-9f19-ec177090a35c&plckPostId=Blog%3A1daca073-2eab-468e-9f19-ec177090a35cPost%3A7d217629-b06a-4008-a433-84f6ea7bb86b&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest >>>>>>> How much more is out there?

---

By Ken Gaines from West Loop
Posted: 10/19/2011 9:25 AM

Another hatchet job by the Journal on a fine alderman. It seems that they pick and chose their battles to besmirch a good man while allowing the rank and file of Chicago's scum politicians, go free. Their editorial policyt is hypocritical. Why dont they report on all the other business law suits like those invoving thier favorites like Rahm, Daley, Madigan, Berrios and many others. It is disgusting.