A former candidate for city public works director has filed a lawsuit against the city of Reading.
“Martin Neely has filed a federal case against the city of Reading for rescinding his job offer because they learned he had filed a lawsuit against a prior employer,” Neely’s attorney, Marc E. Weinstein, said in an email.
Neely filed a civil complaint Friday in U.S. District Court.
The New York City geotechnical and civil engineer claims he was wrongfully terminated.
According to the complaint:
“Plaintiff Martin Neely successfully applied for the position of public works director with defendant City of Reading. His hiring was publicly celebrated at a press conference on March 6, 2023. Thereafter, the city learned Mr. Neely had filed a previous workers’ compensation claim against one of his prior employers and withdrew the job offer.”
Mayor Eddie Moran had announced Neely as his pick for the city’s next public works director at a news conference this month.
Reading’s home-rule charter requires the public works director position be confirmed by City Council.
Before that could happen, city officials announced the search for a public works director would resume.
“After further evaluation and discussion, the administration has determined that the proposed candidate is no longer under consideration,” the city announced last week in a news release.
“While the administration is disappointed that the search for a permanent public works director remains ongoing,” the release continued, “it must be emphasized that the director position is vitally important to the city and selecting the right person for the job is critical.”
City officials late Friday issued the following statement:
“The city is very disappointed that Mr. Neely has chosen to blame the city for his lack of transparency in the vetting process while he was being considered for the position of public works director.
“The city expects all applicants, most especially those being considered for supervisory and department head positions, to be forthright in providing full and complete information so that the city can make informed hiring decisions that are in the best interest of the city, its workforce and, most importantly, the citizens of Reading.”
Source: Berkshire mont
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