Cathy Bowers vs. Potter County
PHRC to hear testimony in discrimination complaint; Cathy Bowers vs. Potter County
COUDERSPORT – Cathy Bowers, a former Potter County Commissioner who was ousted after just one term, filed a complaint on December 24, 2008 with the PHRC (Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission) alleging that she was the victim of discrimination, and as such was not awarded an employment position within the county based on her age.
Mary Durst was hired for the position in question instead, and was later instated as a permanent employee for the job.
The PHRC stated that although the complaint was originally filed in 2008, it was not docketed, and an investigation was not opened until May 7, 2010.
According to information and documents provided to CoudyNews.com, Bowers is seeking full retirement, restitution and pay retroactive to May of 2008, to the tune of more than $50,000.
Discrimination in relation to law is defined as adversely making judgement against an individual on the basis of age, creed, disability, national origin, race, color, religion, military duty, genetics or gender. Bowers’ complaint alleges discrimination on the basis of age, but a closer examination reveals a tit-for-tat ‘I’m gonna get even’ squabble that has been ongoing for several years.
This is not the first time that Cathy Bowers has been caught up in litigation involving Potter County and discrimination. In 2005 a lawsuit brought about by Vicky Johnson charged Cathy Bowers with Sexual Harassment and Discrimination.
Johnson alleged that Bowers had “sexually harassed” her and “discriminated” against her for nearly 15 months. It was reported at the time that Bowers had made sexually suggestive remarks both to and about Johnson, beginning about two months after Johnson first began working for the Commissioners.
A pay raise promised to Johnson by the Commissioners was later defeated by Bowers and Treasurer Krista Miller, a move Johnson herself called “retaliatory”.
That lawsuit was settled on May 18, 2006, costing the Potter County Commissioner’s insurance carrier $25,000.
Now, if Bowers has it her way, the taxpayers of Potter County will again be on the hook.
Bowers’ complaint against Potter County will be heard next week in Pittsburgh in conference with the Human Relations Commission, representatives from Potter County, and Cathy Bowers.
Potter County Commissioner Paul Heimel made this statement in response to Bowers’ complaint, “We’ve received a copy of a complaint filed by Ms. Bowers with the PHRC and we intend to respond to the commission under its procedures for resolving such issues. We do expect the commission to conclude that this board did not discriminate against Ms. Bowers and that her allegations are groundless, but that will be determined by the commission.”
