LAWSUITS NEWS & LEGAL INFORMATION
Lake County, IN
Lake County, IN: (May-24-07) Federal prosecutors filed suit against the county, alleging that former Lake County Economic Development Director Richard Hucker and former Deputy Director Charles McInturf were fired for not opposing an affordable housing project in Lake Station. The suit was filed following a four-year investigation into whether Hucker and McInturf were fired for supporting a development near Lake Station's border with Gary that could have attracted African-Americans.
Prosecutors said the firings violated the federal Fair Housing Act. Former County Commissioner Rudy Clay said it was common knowledge that Lake Station residents opposed construction of TimberCreek Estates because the development might attract racial minorities. Hucker claimed Commissioner Gerry Scheub orchestrated Hucker's firing because county economic development officials refused to drop support for the politically unpopular project, while County officials said Hucker was fired because he was incompetent, and that his original hiring was only the result of political connections.
In a settlement reached, Hucker will receive $282,000 and the estate of McInturf will receive $67,000. [NORTHWEST TIMES: HOUSING TERMINATION]
Published on May-27-07
Prosecutors said the firings violated the federal Fair Housing Act. Former County Commissioner Rudy Clay said it was common knowledge that Lake Station residents opposed construction of TimberCreek Estates because the development might attract racial minorities. Hucker claimed Commissioner Gerry Scheub orchestrated Hucker's firing because county economic development officials refused to drop support for the politically unpopular project, while County officials said Hucker was fired because he was incompetent, and that his original hiring was only the result of political connections.
In a settlement reached, Hucker will receive $282,000 and the estate of McInturf will receive $67,000. [NORTHWEST TIMES: HOUSING TERMINATION]
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