Alma highway department dispute boils over, town board sued - $100,000 verdict sought

The dispute between the Alma Town Board and Dan Ford, who was previously elected Highway Superintendent is headed to court. The Board was served with a thirty-three page Order to Show Cause Tuesday. (A portion of the Order is at the end of this story). Ford is demanding back pay along with other claims. Attorney's for Ford are also claiming Civil Rights violations and are seeking $100,000. The suit says Ford's reputation and status were damaged. The Order also said Ford suffered emotional distress and mental anguish.
In other action from last nights town board meeting:

• Approved the creation of a planning board by a 3-2 vote. Council members Rob Warboys and Vinny Bock opposed the measure.
• Payment for $400 +/- in highway vouchers were denied.
• Several community members addressed the Board with concerns ranging from highway conditions to the court hours.

The suits lists five causes of action:

1. For an attempt, without jurisdiction, to remove an elected public officer from office.
2. Seeking declaratory judgement that the town's blanket bond remains in effect as to petitioner.
3. Failure to perform a mandatory lawful duty by the arbitrary withholding of wages from Petitioner.
4. Interfering with Petitioner's performance of his duties as town highway superintendent.
5. Violating Petitioner's Civil Rights.