City Fires Woman Who Is Suing for Rights Violation
Sierra Madre has fired planning associate Sallyanne Mallen after an independent hearing officer recommended terminating the 10-year employee, who is suing the city for violating her rights under the Americans With Disabilities Act, according to a letter signed by the city administrator.
Her attorney, Linda Thorton, said Mallen would appeal the ruling to the City Council and would also sue for unfair dismissal. In recent weeks, some residents have rallied to Mallen’s cause, calling on the council to prevent her firing after the city put her on administrative leave.
City Administrator John Davidson earlier this month agreed to allow an official from another city to act as a hearing officer and review the case. That official recommended Mallen’s termination in a report last week, according to the letter.
The letter said Mallen was dismissed because of tardiness, insubordination, taking too long for lunch and failing to mail out a hearing notice within the legally required time.
Davidson has declined to discuss the case, saying it is a personnel matter. He was unavailable for comment Wednesday.
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