Former NLV city manager sues city

Lisa Snedeker

Friday, June 25, 1999 | 11:06 a.m.

Linda Hinson, former North Las Vegas city manager, filed a lawsuit against the city and the City Council over her severance pay Thursday in District Court.

In the lawsuit, Hinson says she is entitled to six months worth of salary in severance pay. She also is seeking $1 million in punitive damages, despite a $50,000 cap on judgments against governmental entities. She is also seeking other unspecified damages.

The lawsuit claims that Hinson, who is black, was the victim of race and gender bias by the city and council members.

"I have to do the right thing," she said. "I feel I was wronged."

Hinson, who made a failed bid for a City Council seat in the May primary, said she remains unemployed.

Hinson said she also plans to file a civil rights lawsuit in federal court. "We're doing one thing at a time," she said.

Hinson gave the city a 30-foot right of way for her property on Kenny Way to avoid being charged by the district attorney's office last fall on allegations of misconduct in office.

Until then, Hinson had refused to sign over the right of way to the city for $1, standard procedure for anyone to receive a building permit, according to Gary Holler, director of public works.

A North Las Vegas Police investigation, which was turned over to the district attorney's office, questioned whether Hinson received an advantage concerning the lack of a right of way for her home because of her position as city manager.

A city employee for 19 years, Hinson became assistant city manager in 1988 and was promoted to city manager in 1994.

The council in July voted 4-1, with Councilman William Robinson casting the lone "no," to not renew Hinson's contract when it expired Oct. 1. The council did not give a reason for its action but placed Hinson on paid leave from July 27 through Oct. 1.

Sun reporter

Bill Gang contributed to this story.