KHQ Right Now - News and Weather for Spokane and North Idaho | Ex-Idaho highway chief adds to lawsuit against ITD
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Associated Press - November 16, 2009 8:34 PM ET
BOISE, Idaho (AP) - The Idaho Transportation Department's former chief has added claims to her lawsuit against the agency, including that she was fired illegally and without due process.
Lowe initially filed her lawsuit in 4th District Court in Boise last week, alleging she was forced out after refusing to bow to threats not to interfere with a contract that benefited Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter's big political supporters.
In an amended claim Monday, Lowe contends, among other things, she was improperly denied a hearing to contest her termination when the agency's board voted to oust her in July. The first female ITD director also says she was discriminated against because she's a woman, citing remarks of board members.
She says "false allegations of unsatisfactory job performance" hurt her professional reputation and crimped her ability to find a new job.
Lowe is seeking back pay, reinstatement or compensation in lieu of that, and attorney's fees. No amount is specified.
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