White Pine County Clerk Lin Burleigh settled her law suit against her county last week for $25,000.
The settlement was approved by the county commission.
“I am satisfied that this issue is finally behind us,” Burleigh said.
Burleigh filed suit against the county over the actions of her predecessor Joanne Malone during the 2010 election for county clerk.
A long time assistant county clerk Burleigh claimed Malone fired two months before the 2010 elect for the crime of filing to run for the top spot in the office.
In an open letter to White Pine County voters, Burleigh asserted that she lost her job as the assistant county clerk for filing to seek the top spot.
“According to the registered letter I received, I was terminated because I asked for and received voter registration applications. On September 10, not as an employee, but on my own time as a candidate and according to Nevada Revised Statutes, I requested voter registration applications. My request was denied. On September 13, again, not as an employee but on my own time as a candidate, I requested and received voter registration applications. On September 20, by registered letter, I received notification I had been terminated from the County Clerk‘s Office for violating her (my opponent’s) policy; yet, N. R. S. 293.509 (2) states “A candidate, major political party, minor political party or other person shall: (a) Submit a request for forms for the application to register to vote to the county clerk in person, by telephone, in writing or by facsimile machine; and (b) State the number of forms for the application to register to vote that the candidate, major political party, minor political party or other person is requesting…”. I believe I acted in accordance with the N.R.S.
In my estimation, the underlying reason my opponent takes such negative action against me is because I filed to become your next White Pine County Clerk. After my filing, the current Clerk became exceedingly hostile toward me. Since my filing, I have been subjected to constant accusations, threats harassment and intimidation. Human Resources has done nothing to remedy the situation, nor was there any due process afforded me. Regarding my 40 damaged, destroyed, and/or stolen campaign signs, please contact the Sheriff’s Office at 289-8808 if you have any information as the person or persons doing this may be guilty of committing a Gross Misdemeanor(s).
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I believe the actions the Clerk has taken against me are in direct violation of Nevada Revised Statute 293.509, Article I, Sections 1 and 2 of the Nevada Constitution, as well as being in direct violation of my Federal civil rights, under both the First and Fourteenth Amendments of the U. S. Constitution. Needless to say, I am in the process of appealing my termination.”
Malone denied the she herself fired Burleigh claiming the woman was transferred to the Human Resources Department a month before her termination. A claim Burleigh dismissed.
While Malone was running as the incumbent it was in fact the first time on the ballot for both women. Malone was appointed less than two years before to replace the retiring Donna Bath.
Most of her settlement money will go to pay her legal fees, Burleigh said.
And while satisfied that the case is over Burleigh real victory came two years ago when she trounced Malone at the polls with 62 percent of the vote compare to her opponents 38 percent.
“Yes it does feel very, very good,” Burleigh said on that election night. “It was really gratifying to receive so much support.”
