Former Banker Files Complaint Against Indian Wells
The banker says he was fired after speaking out against the city's use of taxpayer dollars.
The details are still unfolding but we do know Haddon Libby has filed a complaint against Indian Wells over his firing.
A banker is fired. A city manager resigns. Now a lawsuit against the bank, and a complaint against the city of Indian Wells which could turn into a lawsuit.
We asked KMIR6 legal analyst John Patrick Dolan about the case.
"This looks like a pretty good civil lawsuit. Mr. Libby was asking for information that any citizen in the Indian Wells jurisdiction could ask for, there was this flurry of email that went back and forth between the city manager and his boss," said Dolan.
Haddon Libby asked former city manager, Greg Johnson about taxpayer money.
He was fired from his job in september.
Then emails went public with libby asking why he was being bullied, and the city manager telling him not to cry wolf.
"It appears that the firing of Mr. Libby at the employment was because of the email that came from the city manager so I think he might have a pretty good lawsuit," said Dolan.
Earlier this month, First Foundation Bank said communications from any public official were not considered in any personnel decision.
"I would like to start by offering an apology to the city of Indian Wells, to the staff, city council and our residents," Greg Johnson said at the October 6th city council meeting.
City manager Johnson resigned October 6th.
Haddon Libby told us in an October 7th interview, "I felt, there's like a hollow vindication to it, its a recognition that something happened that should have happened."
Now the empty seat city manager seat is filled temporarily by Rod Wood. He is a former Beverly Hills city manager. And 20 years ago he was also Indian Wells city manager.
Wood says he's ready to take on some of the city's issues.
"Yes I'm hoping we can address some of those and maybe find some ground to work on issues on an issues basis rather than a personal basis," said Wood.
Mayor Pro Tem Bill Powers is glad Wood has returned as interim city manager.
"I think it should soothe the waters, soothe some feelings, and we'll communicate better," said Powers.
We asked residents their thoughts on the city's new face.
"It's a start, but we are, our council needs to recognize we do have city involvement from residents," said Indian Wells resident, Denny Booth.
So it looks like residents will be paying close attention to the city's next steps.
The city attorney for Indian Wells had not commented yet on Thursday night about the complaint against the city.





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