Ex-administrator files lawsuit

Federal suit against 2 county commissioners alleges termination was retaliation

Former Lorain County Administrator Tom Williams filed a federal lawsuit Sept. 30 against Lorain County commissioners Michelle Hung and Matt Lundy alleging his termination was an act of retaliation and withholding payment of his severance package was illegal and without justification.

The six-page suit filed by Williams in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio states between June 16 and July 16, Hung confided in him that she was having a sexual affair with former Lorain County 911 Director Harry Williamson, who eventually was fired.

Hung allegedly told Williams she would meet Williamson at hotels and that sexual activity occurred in county offices, the suit says.

Hung and Lundy fired Williams on Aug. 18; Commissioner Dave Moore voted no.

Williams advised Lorain County Assistant Prosecutor Dan Petticord of the affair July 18 and his concerns that Hung had breached statutory and county obligations to Lorain County residents, according to the filing.

Williams added in his conversations with Petticord a day later, July 19, his concerns of Hung’s relationship with Williamson as the county was in the process of obtaining a contract for a new county-wide radio system while Williamson had a “special relationship” with one of the bidders having an impact on Hung’s independent judgment as county commissioner, the filing says.

Following a call for Hung to resign on Aug. 17 by the Wellington Area Central Committee of the Lorain County Republican Party, Hung responded in a statement to local media that the GOP is out of line and they have no say in her private life.

She called it a political stunt and said those behind it would pay.

The next day, Williams was terminated.

The filing argues the decision by Hung and Lundy to terminate him violated his First Amendment rights in reference to his conversations with Petticord.

Williams also argues in the suit that he warned Lundy on numerous occasions that he was creating a hostile work environment.

The suit also argues Williams was fired without cause and the board of commissioners initially agreed to pay his severance package.

Williams was hired Jan. 4 at a salary of $149,000 annually and negotiated an 18-month severance package into his contract of approximately $223,500.

Hung and Lundy, the suit states, initially agreed to pay Williams $450,000 upon his termination, and “renegged” the following day.

The lawsuit names Hung and Lundy in both their official and individual capacities.

In their official capacities, Williams is seeking reinstatement as Lorain County administrator, reasonable attorney fees and additional relief as the court deems appropriate.

In the individual capacities of Hung and Lundy, Williams is seeking back pay, front pay, compensatory and punitive damages in addition to prejudgment interest.

Petticord declined to comment citing the policy of the Prosecutor’s Office to not comment on pending litigation.

Reached for comment, Lundy said the county will obtain outside legal counsel to handle the litigation.

After they review the suit, he said he hopes to comment more.

Hung declined to comment on the suit citing the pending litigation but reiterated she has no plans to resign.

“I continue to go to work every day and do the work for the residents of Lorain County,” she said.

“As people have seen the work is continuing, we are serving the residents, we are doing our jobs.

“The board is working together to get these initiatives done and out there for the residents.

“So, I just want to reassure the public that the work is happening at the county.”

Williams