Judge: Agent's firing didn't violate public policy (reported speeding Iowa (R) Gov. Terry Branstad)

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.nonpareilonline.com/news/other/judge-agent-s-firing-didn-t-violate-public-policy/article_b7ed5060-3eb7-11e4-a7cd-3f9cb51239b9.html

Posted: Wednesday, September 17, 2014 5:12 pm | Updated: 5:19 pm, Wed Sep 17, 2014.

IOWA CITY (AP) — The firing of an investigator who reported Gov. Terry Branstad's speeding SUV wasn't a wrongful discharge in violation of public policy, a judge ruled Monday in dismissing a key claim in the agent's lawsuit.

Former Division of Criminal Investigation agent Larry Hedlund contends he was fired in retaliation for complaining about Branstad's speed, and his attorney had argued that his job should have been protected because state law requires Department of Public Safety officers to enforce traffic laws.


AP

In this Nov. 2, 2011, file photo, is a black SUV, with a license plate that is not on file in police databases, carrying Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad. State data shows that more than 3,200 license plates have been issued to local, state and federal agencies with a designation that allows them to avoid tickets from Iowa traffic cameras.


But Judge Dennis Stovall ruled that while Hedlund had a legal obligation to enforce traffic laws, that is "too vague and general" of a public policy to give him added legal protection against discharge. Hedlund also didn't show a "compelling need" for the protection since he had other job safeguards, including the ability to administratively appeal his firing, Stovall added.

Hedlund's claims of wrongful discharge under state law, defamation and intentional infliction of emotional distress against Branstad and three former superiors can proceed, Stovall ruled.

FULL story at link.