Controversy At Braidwood City Hall: John Schrock Files Lawsuit For Altiery

JOLIET, IL — John Schrock, the prominent Plainfield lawyer who has filed several noteworthy Will County lawsuits, is at it again. Now, Schrock is suing the city of Braidwood on behalf of ousted Braidwood city official Tony Altiery.

According to their Will County Courthouse lawsuit, Altiery comes from Plainfield and on April 8, Braidwood hired him as supervisor of streets and public improvements and as the supervisor of improvements. The hiring came pursuant to a city resolution and Braidwood agreed to employ Altiery at a salary of $119,000, plus 30 days of vacation, 72 hours of sick time, a $600 clothing allowance, a $150 boot allowance and health insurance.

Altiery was notified that his employment was at-will, and he could be terminated with or without cause and without notice.

According to their lawsuit, on April 28, the incoming mayor of Braidwood then made a motion to terminate Altiery's employment, and both Dan Walsh and Warren Wieting voted no to the termination recommendation.

Then, on May 1, new Braidwood Mayor Todd Lyons sent Altiery a letter advising him that Braidwood would determine Altiery's accrued leave.

Schrock's lawsuit argues that "the April 28 resolution was ineffective to terminate plaintiff's employment due to the fact that the commissioner of streets and public improvements Dan Walsh and commissioner of public property Warren Wieting voted no on the April 28 resolution."

The lawsuit filed at the Will County Courthouse now seeks injunctive relief and argues that "plaintiff is entitled to be immediately reinstated to his position as the supervisor of streets and public improvements and as supervisor of public improvements."

Will County's judges are now being asked to issue the temporary restraining order and "enter a permanent injunction ordering defendant, city of Braidwood, to immediately reinstate (Altiery) to the position of supervisor of streets and public improvements and as supervisor of public improvements."

In addition, Schrock maintains that his client has sustained damages due to lost wages and benefits and Braidwood now owes Altiery unpaid benefits. The lawsuit further asks the court to rule the plaintiff's favor and against Braidwood for lost wages, for 2 percent on the unpaid wages, and for reasonable attorneys' fees and costs.