You Get What You Pay For

Daniel also had default judgments awarded against him and in favor of J.C. Penney, for $771.73, and Montgomery Ward Credit Corp. for $2,082.40. Of the latter, he wrote in an interrogatory that although he agreed to pay the debt off in monthly installments, "my ex-wife should pay this."

Vital sued him herself in April 1996, claiming that he had reneged on a promissory note to her, the amount of which was not disclosed in court records. She sought $6,600 in damages. A default judgment for that amount was entered against Daniel on July 15, 1996.

Daniel says far too much effort has been spent delving into his personal affairs already. But he admits that his current spate of city work has made it easier for him to make ends meet.

"The fact I've gone through some difficult times means I've found a way to survive with a combination of public and private sector projects," he says. "There's a lot involved with staying out and surviving for nine years."

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