Fired ITD Director ‘Elated’ With Judge’s Ruling

Former Idaho Transportation Director Pamela Lowe says she is elated with a federal judge’s ruling that found the state must provide a reason for her 2009 firing.

The decision filed Saturday sided with Lowe on a key legal question in her wrongful termination lawsuit against Idaho Transportation Department officials, who said Monday they’ll consider an appeal.

The ruling means Lowe’s lawsuit can proceed.

Lowe told the Spokesman-Review the decision vindicates her contention that she had been doing a good job and her termination was politically motivated. State officials stressed that Bush’s ruling did not specifically address Lowe’s claims.

Idaho code says the transportation director can be removed for inefficiency, neglect of duty, malfeasance and nonfeasance in office. Lowe contends none of those reasons were given to justify her firing.

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Information from: The Spokesman-Review, http://www.spokesman.com