Franklin residents get to pay half a million dollars…. For nothing

[DaveTN]

Things like this make sure racism stays alive and well.

It’s determined that the city did nothing wrong but the minorities and their attorney’s still need a payday.

This should be defended at all costs. Knuckling under to racism just insures that it will thrive. Paying off allegations of racism when it does not exist will have the same result as paying off terrorists. Goes to show.... we have a legal system; not a justice system.

Franklin wants to settle firefighters' discrimination claims

By KEVIN WALTERS

Staff Writer

FRANKLIN - Aldermen agreed to spend $450,000 plus attorneys’ fees to settle the racial discrimination lawsuits filed by black firefighters against the city of Franklin.

Aldermen voted 5-1 Tuesday to make the settlement offer and would cover "reasonable attorney's fees" as set by the court, according to the motion.

Alderman Dana McLendon, who is a criminal defense attorney, voted against the settlement offer.

City officials said little about spending the money. Franklin Mayor Tom Miller, City Administrator Jay Johnson and McLendon all declined to comment.

In 2005, several black firefighters filed complaints against the city alleging they were denied promotions, that requirements for promotions were changed to benefit white firefighters and that top city officials did not hire enough minorities.

The Fire Department was cleared of federal charges of racial bias after a U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission investigation found no discrimination violations.

However, Hendersonville attorney Andy L. Allman, who represents firefighters Greg Baltimore and Ricky Cotton, filed civil lawsuits U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee in Nashville against the city last year alleging charges of racism.

City officials demoted former deputy fire chief Todd Horton in June after he admitted that he took home firefighters’ evaluations being sought by attorneys in the case.

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070711/COUNTY090101/70711024/-1/RSS05

[Guest Old Chief]

There should be a lesson in there somewhere.

[Guest Len]

I know one of the players in this little drama quite well and can say in my opinion it is probably a good idea for the city to offer to settle.

[DaveTN]

I know one of the players in this little drama quite well and can say in my opinion it is probably a good idea for the city to offer to settle.

Because they did something wrong or because they should fear an attorney?

[Guest Len]

Well, to be honest, a little of both. But it certainly sounds from what I have heard that some bad stuff was going in.

Because they did something wrong or because they should fear an attorney?

[Mike.357]

What I really want to know is how do they feel about Franklin Gun?