Lawyer says woman fired because spouse in motorcycle club

KINGMAN, Ariz. - Her husband's membership in a motorcycle club has cost the job of a human resources technician with the city of Kingman in northwest Arizona, according to Phoenix lawyer David Kresin.

He is representing Melissa Summerson in her bid for reinstatement before the city Personnel Board.

The city served Summerson a notice of intent the day after Christmas and terminated her employment Dec. 28, he said.

"She was terminated for the stated reason of her husband's membership in a family motorcycle club - the Desert Roadriders," Kresin said. "There's no allegation that Ms. Summerson personally did anything wrong in her job or engaged in any conduct personally that violated any of the city's rules, and we believe there's no cause for termination as she's been an outstanding employee with a great record for her entire employment."

Kresin said the dismissal violates Summerson's constitutional right to freedom of association. He said she will exercise her right to request that her personnel hearing be conducted in public.

Summerson's boss, Human Resources Director Jackie Walker, said the city is unable to answer questions about the personnel matter. Summerson's employment with the city spanned about 11 years, interrupted over a five-year period as she attended to an ailing family member.