Suit filed against Village of Logan

Former Logan Village Manager has filed suit against the Village in the 10th Judicial District Court alleging a violation for the New Mexico Whistle Blower Protection Act.

The suit was filed on April 27 by Trevor Thompson, who was fired on Jan. 30 as the village manager by the Village Council following a special executive session.

Thompson is being represented by The Gilpin Law Firm based in Albuquerque, who could not be reached for comment before publication.

He is seeking damages for lost wages, benefits and suffering as a result of his termination.

“I cannot comment on this matter except to say the Village of Logan is going to defend itself against these charges,” said Warren Frost, village attorney.

According to the suit:

n Thompson alleges he was terminated by the village council after he raised concerns about the lack of proper person protection equipment for village employees and the lack of handicap access to the Logan Senior Citizen’s Center.

n Thompson alleges his request for the budget to be reviewed to find the money to address the two concerns was denied.

Thompson alleges on Jan. 30 he was contacted to told he had 24 hours to decide to resign or be terminated and that the Village could terminate him for any reason.

Thompson alleges he learned of his termination via a third source and that the executive session for his termination was attended by only two council members.

Russell Feerer, then interim mayor, said he presided over the meeting attended by council members Benny Newton and Leslie Osborn. He said they entered an executive session, and upon adjournment of the session voted to terminate Thompson.

Thompson was hired last August to replace then-interim manager Larry Wallin.

Wallin had retired as manager in 2016 but was re-hired in 2017 after his successor resigned.