Local News in Brief : Firing of Supervisor Upheld

A personnel hearing board has made a preliminary finding that upholds the city of Lawndale’s firing of a maintenance supervisor accused of charging the city for building materials used in his private remodeling business.

Assistant City Manager Paula Cone said Wednesday that the board, made up of five officials from private industry, reached tentative conclusions in the case of Floyd (Bud) Marez late Friday after four full days of testimony. Marez sought the hearing in August.

When contacted for comment Wednesday, Marez’s attorney, Owen D. Petersen, said he had not been notified of the board’s ruling and was incensed that news had been released publicly before he or Marez was informed.

“I am still convinced of my client’s innocence,” Petersen said, withholding further comment until he receives a written notice of the board’s findings. He said the ruling cannot be appealed and that the next step, should Marez decide to take it, would be to seek a Superior Court order rescinding his dismissal.

Steve Filarsky, legal counsel to the personnel board, said Wednesday that the board’s tentative findings must be put in writing and approved by board members before they become final. The written findings are due next week, he said.

The district attorney’s office is also investigating.