Cascade County Commissioners Approve Settlement Agreement

On October 4th, the Cascade County Commissioners held a special meeting to approve or disapprove Contract 24-159. This contract is regarding the Settlement agreement in the case of Human Rights Bureau clause number 240205, Anzarina Fontana Moore versus the State of Montana, Christi Jacobson Cascade County, Ray Grulkowski, Jim Larson, and Joe Briggs. Jordan Crosby, defense counsel for Cascade County, stated in the meeting, “On February 26th of this year a charge of discrimination was brought with the Montana Human Rights Bureau, alleging claims for political belief Discrimination under Montana law related to the hiring of the newly created election administrator position generally. As the agenda notes, Ms. Fontana Moore asserted that she was qualified for that position and was discriminated against when she was not hired for it due to her political beliefs.” Jordan Crosby continued, “On September 19th we held a mediation with a neutral 3rd party mediator, which is a confidential process, but certainly a process that allows all of us to evaluate the case. Following that, the mediator provided some recommendations. Through some continued negotiations with Miss Fontana Moore's council, she and I were able to come to a place of resolve for the $52,500 that I am proposing today. I think it is in the best interest of the county.” On a 2-1 vote, Commissioners Joe Briggs and Jim Larson approved the deal during a special meeting on Friday. Commissioner Rae Grulkowski voted against it. Several public comments were made after the decision. How do you feel about this? We welcome letters to the editor to express opinions on the subject of any of our news stories.