The former city manager of Montebello has filed a whistleblower lawsuit against the city, alleging sex discrimination and retaliation.
Francesca Tucker-Schuyler Says she was terminated after reporting questionable handling of public works repairs and contract bids.
My News LA reports:
In 2017, she became concerned that public works regulations were not being followed regarding contracts for repairs to city facilities made inquiries that “were mostly ignored” and asked for legal guidance, according to her complaint. After the city became embroiled in a lawsuit it filed against a local businessman, and because her history of inquiries with the city had been largely disregarded, Tucker-Schuyler met with city staff members, including the finance department, and did more research on the regulations regarding public works projects and bidding procedures, according to the suit...Tucker-Schuyler became increasingly worried that her questions were not being answered by the city staff, so in September 2017 she reported the city’s alleged violations of bidding laws to Montebello police Chief Kevin McClure, according to the suit, which says some of her concerns involved the renovations of city hall facilities and sewer repairs.
Tucker-Schuyler says she eventually reported her concerns to the offices of the district attorney and city attorney. The City Council later placed her on leave. All of her replacements were male, according to the suit, and she was later terminated.
Read more about the allegations here.