Blackwater files legal papers over training site

Union Tribune (2008-06-14) Tanya Mannes

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By Tanya Mannes

UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

June 14, 2008

OTAY MESA – Blackwater Worldwide filed documents yesterday in federal court saying it should be allowed to continue operating its training center, despite San Diego City Attorney Michael Aguirre's legal arguments for more public review.

The company's permits for a Navy training facility near Brown Field in Otay Mesa have been in dispute.

Blackwater sued the city in federal court May 23, after Mayor Jerry Sanders, citing Aguirre's legal analysis, tried to require public hearings before allowing the project to go forward.

U.S. District Judge Marilyn Huff granted the company's request for a temporary restraining order against San Diego, allowing the facility to open June 5.

A hearing is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Tuesday in federal court in downtown San Diego at which Huff will consider making the ruling permanent.

In a legal document filed yesterday, the company states: “At the simplest level, Blackwater seeks the protection of the federal court system to avoid parochialism and local political bias.”

Blackwater maintains its position that it was entitled to open the training center with its existing permits; that its civil rights to due process are being violated; and that failure to open on time would jeopardize its contract with the Navy.