A former employee at the Clay County Treasurer’s office has filed suit in federal court. Court documents filed in U. S. District Court in Sioux City show Sally Becker from Everly brought the action. Becker claims in the suit she was fired by Sandra Geidl from the Clay County Treasurer’s office.
Geidl was an employee in the office until Lavon Montgomery decided not to run for reelection. Geidl ran and won, but Becker supported Geidl’s opponent Bill Zinn. The suit alleges Geidl told Becker last January that she couldn’t have people working for her who didn’t support her political campaign . Geidl reportedly asked for Becker’s resignation, Becker refused and Geidl fired her.
When a job came open in the Clay County Recorder’s office, Becker was told the county supervisors would oppose her getting the job unless she dropped the lawsuit. She was eventually hired for the job, but alleges that supervisors pressured the county recorder to fire her again.
Clay County Attorney Mike Houchins says the county will defend itself in the case. Becker is asking for a jury trial. She’s seeking reasonable compensation for injuries losses and damages. She’s also asking for exemplary damages and attorney’s fees in the action.