Ex-CCSN worker files suit

Jace Radke

Thursday, Sept. 7, 2000 | 11:22 a.m.

The former state employee who revealed that Community College of Southern Nevada officials had ordered production of bronze busts for politicians has filed suit against CCSN in District Court Wednesday for wrongful termination and breach of contract.

The 22-page suit filed by Daniel J. Bellas in District Court Wednesday claims also asks that he be given back his job of art preparator at CCSN. The suit also asks that Bellas be paid more than $100,000 in damages for his December termination.

Bellas was hired in 1998 by the college's fine arts department, and after his firing filed a complaint with the state personnel department questioning the legality of using college equipment and funds to cast the busts. The busts honered Gov. Kenny Guinn, Senate Majority Leader Bill Raggio, R-Reno, and TV station mogul and philanthropist Jim Rogers.

According to the suit Bellas left a voice mail for Don Smith, Dean of CCSN Fine Arts, saying that he needed to take some time to determine whether the bust project would implicate him in any wrongdoing.

In the message Bellas stated, "I am not sure whether this is a resignation or a leave of absence, but I must be able to take some time to consider what is the right thing to do, you have my number at home, please call me to discuss this."

Bellas was never called, according to the suit, and assumed that his leave of absence was approved. He then checked on the legality of making the busts and after about two weeks returned feeling comfortable with the task, the suit reads.

The suit states that upon his return, CCSN officials told him they had accepted his resignation, and after Bellas refused to sign resignation papers, he was fired.

Former community college President Richard Moore approved the bust production. The community college's foundation has since paid the college $7,400 to cover some of the costs of the busts.