SOUTHEAST TEXAS RECORD

GALVESTON - David Quiroga claims the city of Galveston fired him last year because he insisted on being treated fairly, recent court documents say.

In a federal lawsuit filed Sept. 28 in the Galveston Division of the Southern District of Texas, plaintiff Quiroga explains that the city relieved him of his position as a special project coordinator with the Public Works Department in late September 2009 after he addressed an issue with his salary.

Quiroga, who worked for the city for 16 years, points out that there were two other people who occupied the same position making $10,000 more than him in annual salary. The plaintiff was more qualified and better experienced, the suit claims.

Quiroga alleges the city removed his position from the budget in response to his complaint, adding he declined to assume another position they offered him because it paid less.

The city later terminated the plaintiff on supposed grounds he committed insubordination as well as used his personal cell phone on city time, the original petition says.

Quiroga asserts the termination was retaliatory, adding his national origin was a factor.

He seeks unspecified monetary damages and a jury trial.

Attorney Anthony P. Griffin of Galveston is representing the plaintiff, and U.S. District Court Judge Kenneth M. Hoyt is presiding over the case.

Case No. 3:10-cv-00397