{Frankfort, Kentucky}...Governor Steve Beshear's office is attempting to settle a lawsuit filed by former state Energy and Environment Cabinet director Ron Mills who was fired in 2009. Mills claims he was fired by Energy and Environment Secretary Len Peters because he refused to sign five illegal mine permits sought by Alliance Coal of Tulsa, Oklahoma, covering 55,000 acres in Western Kentucky. Alliance Coal has given more than $585,000 in Kentucky state and federal political donations since 2007. Beshear and the Kentucky Democratic Party are among its many beneficiaries. Mills, who claims whistle-blower status, which could protect him even though he was a political appointee who served at the governor's pleasure, wants to be reinstated and paid $3.23 million in punitive damages and lost wages.Thursday, October 18, 2012
Governor Attempting To Settle Lawsuit
{Frankfort, Kentucky}...Governor Steve Beshear's office is attempting to settle a lawsuit filed by former state Energy and Environment Cabinet director Ron Mills who was fired in 2009. Mills claims he was fired by Energy and Environment Secretary Len Peters because he refused to sign five illegal mine permits sought by Alliance Coal of Tulsa, Oklahoma, covering 55,000 acres in Western Kentucky. Alliance Coal has given more than $585,000 in Kentucky state and federal political donations since 2007. Beshear and the Kentucky Democratic Party are among its many beneficiaries. Mills, who claims whistle-blower status, which could protect him even though he was a political appointee who served at the governor's pleasure, wants to be reinstated and paid $3.23 million in punitive damages and lost wages.