Former Perryville city administrator asks officials for job back, calls dismissal "issue of discrimination"

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Former Perryville city administrator Bill Lewis called his dismissal from the position two weeks ago a case of discrimination and asked the board of aldermen to reinstate him Tuesday night at a public hearing.

Lewis, who served as city administrator for six years, cited several possible factors in the board's decision to remove him, including a cost of living increase he suggested for city employees.

He also said that his age, 61, and his health had become issues for the board, something he considered to be an "issue of discrimination."

Lewis' attorney, Bob Sweeney, said at the hearing that the dismissal seemed to center on an evaluation titled "Summary of Feedback Request for Leadership Behaviors," conducted by a private firm, Human Capital Partners of Ballwin, Mo.

Sweeney questioned the appropriateness and the legality of the evaluation, arguing it failed to address specific areas in which Lewis had been deficient and that nothing indicated any kind of public motion passed to have a private firm conduct the evaluation.

Perryville city attorney Tom Ludwig declined to comment on the evaluation process, citing municipal code that says the city administrator serves at the "pleasure of the mayor and the board of aldermen."

"The board and the mayor seriously considered their actions and gave their due consideration," Ludwig said.

Ludwig said calling Lewis' dismissal an act of discrimination was inaccurate but declined further comment because it concerned personnel issues.

"It's hard for us to say 'no comment,' but we must," said Mayor Debbie Gahan.

The summary of the request for feedback on Lewis' performance contained a mixture of comments like "very conservative," and "not a risk-taker" from city officials, employees, city department heads and community stakeholders.

Don Welge, owner of the Perryville-based Gilster-Mary Lee Corp., spoke on Lewis' behalf at the hearing, saying he did not think the "issue was handled well" and that he would like to see Lewis get his job back.

He said that two years ago former Perryville mayor Bob Miget and Lewis approached him about potential problems with the Chester Bridge into Illinois.

"I was able to develop a true appreciation for Bill Lewis' concern for the development of industry for Perryville and Perry County," he said.

Lewis, who has held the position of city administrator in a handful of other cities in Texas and Illinois, said his family has been affected by the conflict with the board.

He would be willing to return to work, he said.

"If they want me to come back to work, I'll come back to work, and we can put this behind us," he said.

bdicosmo@semissourian.com

388-3635

Pertinent address:

215 N. West St., Perryville, MO