Former Caseyville official Rick Casey is suing the village of Caseyville and its mayor claiming he was fired after announcing his intentions to run for mayor.
Casey claims he had been working as a tax increment financing administrator for Caseyville since 1994.
In 1989, defendant George Chance became mayor of Caseyville, according to the complaint filed Sept. 22 in St. Clair County Circuit Court.
Prior to and during Chance's reign as mayor, Casey spoke out about his affiliation with government officials who stood in opposition to members of the Caseyville Village Board and also announced his intentions to run as candidate for mayor, the suit states.
In retaliation for Casey's actions, Chance fired him, depriving Casey of his right to freedom of speech and expression, the complaint says.
Because of his termination, Casey claims he suffered an impairment of his reputation, anxiety, humiliation, mental anguish, emotional distress and loss of professional advancement.
In the two-count suit, Casey is seeking compensatory, punitive and exemplary damages and equitable relief reinstating him to his former position, plus costs and other relief the court deems just.
He will be represented by Mark S. Peebles of Peebles and Gaines in Belleville.
St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-501.
Former Caseyville official sues village
ORGANIZATIONS IN THIS STORY