The Adobe Flash Player is required to view this multimedia interactive. Get it here.

$5.45M lawsuit filed against South Charleston by former village manager

Sarah  Wildman

Hope Ride pedals inspiration
7/31/10
Stafford: In the good-old summer
7/31/10
McGinn dunked for good... cause
7/31/10
Cottrel: When a drip turns into a renovation
7/31/10
Champaign County Senior center hopes voters renew levy
7/31/10
> More headlines

E-mail this page

By Elaine Morris Roberts, Staff Writer Updated 7:39 AM Tuesday, September 1, 2009

SPRINGFIELD — The former village manager of South Charleston has filed a $5.45 million lawsuit against the village and two village commissioners.

Sarah Wildman was fired at a commission meeting March 3 with commissioners Tim Hines and Russ White voting to remove her. Commissioner James McKinney voted against the motion.

According to documents filed in Clark County Court of Common Pleas Monday, Aug. 31, Wildman claims in the first count, “defendants’ actions constitute age and sex discrimination ... for which plaintiff seeks ... $3.75 (million).”

In the second count, Wildman claims “defendants’ actions constitute slander, libel and defamation and were made maliciously” for which she is seeking an additional $1.7 million and $25,000 in fees.

In a February statement e-mailed to the News-Sun, Hines was critical of Wildman’s handling of the village finances. According to the statement, Hines also thought Wildman should have been terminated in 2008 for what he called “advocating the abuse of the 911 system” after Wildman advised village residents in a newsletter to call the emergency number for violations of village ordinances.

Hines and current Village Manager Josh Rice had no knowledge of the lawsuit. White did not return a phone call seeking comment Monday .

All defendants named in the lawsuit have 28 days to respond the lawsuit.

“I felt I enjoyed a great deal of success in that position ... and felt very fortunate to bring the skill set I have to the position,” Wildman said.

Staff writer Bridgette Outten contributed to this story.

Share this article

ADD COMMENT

Comments feed

ask a bout the audit that was done a couple of years ago and you'll find very distrubbing information and our village was headed toward bancruptcy.

been here awhile
9:15 AM, 9/3/2009

REPORT ABUSE

This just in: Rob Blagojevich has also filed suit against the Village of South Charleston. The charge: "The village of South Charleston committed defamation of character by comparing him to Sarah Wildman." Now that's saying something! Hold your head up South Charleston, the Truth will vindicate the village commission!

InTheKnow
12:11 AM, 9/3/2009

REPORT ABUSE

What will this do to all her dear friends who
live there? Smells like an attorney for a
husband caper.............
sad...........Shakespeare was right!

rukidding
11:22 PM, 9/2/2009

REPORT ABUSE

Don't the Wildman's have enough money?!HA!
South Charleston will be in need of a bailout.....

cracking up
11:12 PM, 9/2/2009

REPORT ABUSE

I am sure the negative comments here were lined up by the inbreeds on Council. The only good old boys network is with local hicks not wanting progress. The group running the Village now are the 3 stoges.

Sarah did a good job and is a great person. I am sure she could care less what is said hear; Mr. Hines should lose it all -- you reap what you sow!!

Show her the money!!!!!! We are a nation of laws you bunch of Gomer Pyles!!!

So Charles Rez
8:43 PM, 9/2/2009

REPORT ABUSE

There are 29 additional comments

SHOW ALL

We welcome your comments. Please remember this is a public forum and behave appropriately. Your comments must conform to our visitor's agreement.