Ex-official in Madison County files suit over firing

REXBURG, Idaho – A former Madison County building inspector is suing local government officials in federal court, saying he was fired to clear the way for an ex-county commissioner to take his job.

Cliff Morris claims he was unlawfully terminated after former County Commission Chairman Ralph Robison lost a bid for re-election in 2008, according to court documents filed earlier this month.

According to the lawsuit, Robison “stated multiple times that he would like to have Cliff Morris’ job.”

Robison, who replaced Morris in May 2009, denies the suit’s allegations.

The lawsuit names Madison County and its Planning and Building Administrator, Brent McFadden, who supervised Morris from 2003 to 2008, as defendants.

Morris claims he was intensely scrutinized and his work hours were cut as McFadden tried to make his job unpleasant so he would leave and open up the position for Robison, according to court documents.

Robison said Morris was fired after commissioners received complaints about his performance from the community. He had also been insubordinate, Robison said.