U.S. Cities Look to Shed Ratings While Taking On More Debt.
MSRB Finalizes Compliance Resource on Application of Content Standards to Advertisements by Municipal Advisors under Rule G-40.
Muni Market Looks to Taiwan Where Insurers Welcome New Options.
Ex parte City of El Paso – Court of Appeals holds that city’s authority to expend bond proceeds on the construction of a “multipurpose performing arts and entertainment facility” included the building of a facility that could accommodate sports; district court judgment failed to comply with EDJA provisions specifying scope of injunctive relief.
Jayhawk Racing Properties, LLC v. City of Topeka – Court of Appeals holds that agreement for city’s purchase of a reversionary interest in a multi-purpose motorsports facility financed by issuance of sales tax and revenue (STAR) bonds was proprietary and, thus, enforceable against city, even after new members were elected to the city council.
And finally, The Wheels On The Bus Go Pound and Pound is brought to us this week by Theisz v. Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, a baffling case in which, “On March 3, 2015, at approximately 10:45 p.m., Smith was operating an MBTA bus in Lynn. At a bus stop, Theisz asked Smith for directions. Smith got off the bus and attacked Theisz, causing serious and permanent injuries.” Raising the obvious question, WHAT ON GOD’S GREEN EARTH WERE THE REQUESTED DIRECTIONS? Likely not the nearest Dunkin’ Donuts. Your editor has had a glorious time speculating but, as a family publication, can not share his preferred conjectures. So conjecture away! Happy New Year!

Bond Case Briefs