City of Talent unable to avoid trial - July 29, 2003

Mail Tribune (Medford, OR — Wayback)

2003-08-30

Document text

CLEAR Temp: 90 °F Wind: NW at 10 mph Friday, August 29, 2003   SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries   Life   Opinion - Politics   AP News   Weather   Classified   Archives   Site Map   EXTRA HomeLife Magazine Joy Magazine Tempo A & E RogueValleyAutoFinder   RogueValleyHomeFinder   Real Estate Showcase   Wellness Connection   Newspaper in Education   Prime Times   Outdoor Journal   Personals   Movie Times   TV Times   E The People   CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find Everything  E SOUTHERN OREGON Automotive Communities   Entertainment   Publications   Recreation   Calendar   ABOUT US FAQ What's New Advertise Home Delivery Classified Ad Employment Contact Us Media Kit Email Story to a Friend July 29, 2003 City of Talent unable to avoid trial The city of Talent will go to trial this fall after an unsuccessful attempt Monday at settling a lawsuit with a former employee. Talent offered former public works director Tim Dedrick a "very small" amount of money to avoid the expense of going to trial on Nov. 4, said the city’s attorney, Karen O’Kasey of Portland. The city’s offer didn’t fall within the realm of reason, said Dedrick’s attorney, Joe Charter, who refused to discuss the exact figure. Dedrick is asking for $500,000. Advertisement Dedrick’s suit alleges the city in 2001 wrongfully fired him for being a whistle-blower. Before he was discharged, Dedrick told City Council members that former city administrator Kelly Madding had not paid premiums on city employees’ health insurance, allowing coverage to lapse. He alleges she also removed money from his department without the council’s approval and called him a "fascist." The city maintains that Dedrick’s termination was justified, O’Kasey said, refusing to discuss in detail the claims of Dedrick’s suit. In addition to the whistle-blowing claim, Dedrick’s suit alleges that Madding discriminated against him based on his national origin. Dedrick is of German descent. Madding left the city in October 2001 for a position as director of the county’s economic development. Printer Friendly Version   Email Story to a Friend Subscribe Archive: Click to Search Mail Tribune Home Local News  | Sports  | Business  | Obituaries  | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives  |  Site Map   E Southern Oregon  | Classified   Copyright © 1997-2003 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback A D V E R T I S E R S SPECIAL SECTIONS Rogue Valley Auto Finder Rogue Valley Job Finder --> Rogue Valley Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Real Estate Showcase Food for Thought Hike of the Week Wellness Connection Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Openings Prime Times