Two former employees of the City of Salyersville have initiated legal action against Salyersville Mayor Stanley Howard and the Salyersville City Council, alleging wrongful termination. The lawsuit was filed on July 9 by attorney Ned Pillersdorf, representing Brandon Allen and Dustin Allen.
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Details of the Complaint
The complaint, lodged in Magoffin County Circuit Court, accuses Mayor Howard of terminating the brothers because they were perceived as political adversaries. The Allen’s claim they were dismissed after campaigning for former Mayor James “Pete” Shepherd in the November 2022 election, where Howard narrowly defeated Shepherd by ten votes. The complaint alleges the terminations were in retaliation for their political activities, violating their First Amendment rights to free speech and association.
Employment History and Allegations
- Dustin Allen: Worked for the City of Salyersville for 14 years, most recently as a maintenance worker at the wastewater plant, responsible for manual labor and general maintenance.
- Brandon Allen: Employed by the city for 11 years as a certified wastewater treatment plant operator, performing daily testing and monitoring sewage levels.
The Allen Brother’s combined have put 25 years of hard work into the city of Salyersville, KY.
The lawsuit claims that both brothers were informed by city council members and the city clerk that their terminations were likely due to their support for Shepherd.
Legal Claims and Requested Relief
The Allens have asserted a wrongful discharge claim, arguing that the mayor’s actions contravene the public policy of Kentucky, which protects employees from retaliation for exercising their First Amendment rights. They seek a court judgment against the defendants, compensation for lost earnings, damages for pain and suffering, punitive damages, attorney’s fees, court costs, and any additional relief deemed appropriate.
Mayor Stanley Howard’s Official Termination Letters
The lawsuit includes termination letters signed by Mayor Stanley Howard, addressed to Dustin and Brandon Allen. The letters, with official letterhead from the City of Salyersville, stated:
“At the will of the mayor, your services are no longer needed. We appreciate your dedication and service to the residents of Salyersville and Magoffin County. Thank you for your service, effective immediately. Please return any of the Salyersville Waterworks property in your possession.”
Current Status and Future Proceedings of the Lawsuit against Mayor Stanley Howard
As of now, no court date has been scheduled for the case. Salyersville Kentucky’s Mayor Stanley Howard and City Attorney Jeff Lovely have several days remaining to respond to the complaint. The case will be closely monitored as it progresses through the legal system.
What compensation are the Allen Brothers seeking?
The Allens are seeking compensation for lost earnings, damages for pain and suffering, punitive damages, attorney’s fees, court costs, and any other relief deemed appropriate.
As of now, no court date has been scheduled for the case involving Salyersville, Kentucky’s Mayor Stanley Howard and City Attorney Jeff Lovely. Both officials have several days remaining to respond to the complaint. This case is under close scrutiny by the community and local media, as its outcome could have significant implications for the city’s governance and legal precedents. Legal analysts suggest that the proceedings could potentially involve extensive discovery and pre-trial motions, possibly delaying the actual court date even further. Appalachia Insider will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as the case progresses through the legal system. Stay tuned for the latest developments and in-depth analysis.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the legal action involving Mayor Stanley Howard and the allegations of wrongful termination. Stay tuned to Appalachia Insider for updates as the case unfolds.
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