Ex-PSC economist loses appeal of firing

Tuesday, June 2, 1998 | 12:03 p.m.

William Stanley sought protection under the state whistle-blower statute after being placed on leave in August 1994. He was fired the following October.

Stanley said he was put on leave and then fired because of allegations he raised about two other employees' activities involving a Nevada Power Co. rate reduction case before the commission.

In a 55-page decision released Monday, Hearing Officer Patrick Dolan found Stanley's allegations were without merit and his firing was justified.

Stanley's allegations involved an overearnings case filed by the PUC staff seeking to cut Nevada Power rates by $22.4 million. Much of the controversy surrounding the rate case focused on whether large business customers or residential users should get the biggest benefit from anticipated rate reductions. The case was settled in July 1994.

Stanley said members of the commission staff submitted testimony in the matter that was prepared improperly by a staff attorney, that the attorney committed perjury in doing so, and that his superior covered up the perjury.

Dolan found Stanley failed to establish that any improper governmental activity occurred in the case, or that he suffered as a result, both findings required in a whistle-blower case.

Dolan added there was no perjury committed in the case, and there was no move to cover up anything.