It's always been our intention to work things out. The lawsuit was kind of a distraction from what I think everybody has always wanted.

The only advantage for the Bells to go to court would be if they are looking to fold their operation and want someone to blame. I have no reason to think that's the case here.

We feel like the lawsuit was filed prematurely. They don't take possession of the facility until June 1, and the city's stance has always been not to worry, a functional equivalent will be available.

I think we're close to resolving this issue. I think we're going to be able to come to a resolution without going to court and probably short of mediation.

He's been very adamant that he wants to work in a bipartisan way, and he has no intention of changing that just because it's an election year. The Legislature approached last year that way, for the most part, and (Lynch) hopes they continue to do that this year.

It seems sure to backfire if the intention was to silence their critics.