VANCOUVER, Wash. (AP) - State Sen. Don Benton has filed a tort claim against Clark County, alleging he faced hostility and retaliation while working as a county department director.
The Columbian newspaper reports (https://bit.ly/2fhXKVI ) that the Vancouver Republican seeks $2 million in damages for emotional distress while working at the county, as well as economic damages and reduced employability through losing his job.
Benton was hired as director of the Department of Environmental Services in 2013. His job was eliminated earlier this year when the department was consolidated.
Two other former colleagues also filed similar tort claims. All three are represented by Portland attorney Thomas Boothe, who declined to comment.
County Risk Manager Mark Wilsdon also declined to comment on the claim.
Benton’s claim alleges that County Manager Mark McCauley yelled at him and retaliated against him. McCauley told the newspaper Friday that he wasn’t surprised by the claim given the litigious society. He declined further comment.
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Information from: The Columbian, https://www.columbian.com
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