Cudahy : Porter’s Claim Rejected

The City Council has rejected a $307,000 claim by former City Manager John Porter for an alleged breach of contract by the city.

The council rejected the claim Monday by a 4-0 vote. Councilman Gabriel Zippi was absent.

The claim by Porter, who was fired by the council in September, states that he was removed without cause and that the termination was unlawful.

Porter’s claim says he is due the money for salary and other benefits for the more than 46 months remaining on his contract. The claim also asks for unspecified attorney’s fees.

Porter’s attorney, Anthony Michael Glassman, said he had not received official notification of the rejection but that he expects to file a lawsuit in response.

Porter had four years remaining on a contract that guaranteed him $55,000 a year plus a $6,000-a-year car allowance.

In a Sept. 19 letter sent to Porter, the council told him he was to receive pay for his accumulated vacation time and three months’ severance pay “ . . . in return for a fully executed release agreement of any and all liability arising from your employment and termination.”

Former City Manager Gerald Caton, who had resigned under pressure less than a year ago, was reappointed Aug. 25 by the council to replace Porter. He was hired on a yearly basis for $60,000 a year.