Archives for June 8, 2015

On June 8, 2015, Haeggquist & Eck (formerly Zeldes Haeggquist & Eck) filed a complaint against the County of San Diego for constructive discharge on behalf of Lindsey Masukawa. Ms. Masukawa was San Diego Supervisor Dave Roberts’ former Policy Advisor for Health and Human Services.

A copy of the complaint against the County can be found here.

For Immediate Release: Monday, June 8, 2015

LINDSEY MASUKAWA STATEMENT REGARDING CONSTRUCTIVE TERMINATION CLAIM 

(San Diego) – Note: the following is the only statement to be made by Lindsey Masukawa regarding the claim being filed today on her behalf against the County of San Diego and Supervisor Dave Roberts. Neither Ms. Masukawa nor her attorneys will be available for questions.

“It was not an easy decision for me to step forward and file this claim. After enduring what I felt was unethical conduct for more than two years, I was asked to lie about what I know to be the truth: during my tenure at the County Supervisor’s Office, Supervisor Roberts’ focus was clearly not on serving the people of San Diego, but rather on his aspirations for re-election and higher office.”

“When I was asked by Supervisor Roberts to lie to the County’s human resources department in exchange for a raise and promotion, I had no choice but to resign. This decision was devastating to me. Not only had I dedicated my professional life to public service so that I could give back to my community, I truly believed in our political system. I left the district office of a prominent Assembly Member to work at the County so I could fulfill my personal call to community service through policy work. I believe I represented the Supervisor and the County with the utmost professionalism, and that I made a meaningful contribution to some of the top health issues affecting residents. Once I resigned, my intention was to move forward to a more positive work environment in a capacity that would allow me to continue serving the community. I attempted to leave my position in the Supervisor’s office as graciously and quietly as possible.”

“In my resignation letter, I focused on my position and the policy work I was hired to do. I stand by that work. I chose not to talk about the hostile work environment and unethical working conditions I had experienced, largely out of fear of retaliation from Supervisor Roberts and the concern that he might compromise my career as a public servant and policymaker. However, as events unfolded at the County, I recognized that I would not be able to remain silent. I had been named in the claims of my former colleagues, and what had happened to me at the Supervisor’s office was called into question. Moreover, I felt compelled to come forward because the Supervisor’s remarks refuting these claims are not true. I can affirm many of the statements my colleagues made. However, I also feel strongly that media platforms are not the correct arena for these disputes. Through a formal claim process and any due process that occurs, these matters will be appropriately heard.”

“I engaged the law firm of Zeldes Haeggquist & Eck, LLP to represent me in this process – to fully protect myself from the unanticipated consequences of my constructive termination. Any communications should be directed to them. However, as I believe in letting the wheels of justice take their course, neither I nor my lawyers will be doing any interviews or making any further statements at this time.”

Alreen Haeggquist

Representing Ms. Masukawa

June 8,

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