Now director of the Waukegan (Ill.) Public Library, Lee told American Libraries that he felt vindicated by the decision and was grateful to his colleagues in libraries around the country for their support. He also enjoyed tremendous support from staff and the public as he challenged the board.
The parties in the suit had agreed to abide by the “alternate dispute resolution” rendered by a retired appellate court judge in Pueblo County. Although Lee was not at liberty to disclose the amount of the settlement, he said the library wanted the three defendants to pay the $5,000 insurance deductible, but as far as he knew only one (Ballantyne) had ponied up his third. “As far as I’m concerned, it’s over,” Lee added.
A related lawsuit filed by dismissed library human resources director Helen Tomicich remains unsettled.
Posted April 15, 2005.