BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor
Marion Lewis never envisioned that his battle for his right to run for public office would still be going on five years later. However, it remains unsolved.
A former Captain with the Tampa Police Department, Lewis served as a Tampa Police Officer for 27 years. His problems began after he decided to seek the office of the mayor. He alleges that he was forced into retirement and out of his job. Five years ago, he filed a lawsuit against the City of Tampa. He said the courts have ruled that he did not resign from his position, yet the City refuses to settle the case.
“Although, the Appeals Court has clearly ruled in my favor; it has become quite evident that justice for a Black Man is still elusive in the City of Tampa. I will not let injustice prevail in this case because the City of Tampa is not above the law.
“I will aggressively reach out to other authorities in an effort to bring about finality and due process. At this point it is clear to me that the continued litigation in this case by the City is malicious in nature.
“The City has deliberately expanded the proceedings in this case by filing unnecessary motions and pleadings with the Court; and then failed to schedule timely hearings on their motions. The City has thumbed their nose at the 2nd District Court of Appeals ruling in this case and is abusing the Judicial System,” he said.
He further stated that he intends to file official complaints with the Florida Bar on the individual attorneys representing the City for their deliberate violation of his due process and improper conduct during these proceedings.
On January 14, 2011, the 2nd District Court of Appeals reversed the Circuit Court’s decision that was in the City’s favor and ruled that Lewis did not resign from the Tampa Police Department when he qualified to run for Mayor and was wrongfully terminated from his employment.
The City filed a petition with the Appeals Court for a rehearing and the Court reaffirmed their ruling on June 10, 2011. The City then petitioned the Florida Supreme Court of Appeals to hear the case and the Supreme Court declined to hear the case on October 18, 2011.
“It is hypocritical for the City to portray Tampa in the months leading up to the GOP Convention as a City of opportunity when injustice has taken a comfortable seat in City Hall and the City Administration has denied justice at every turn in my proceedings,” Lewis said.
He further stated that he is not the only former police officer who has filed complaints against the Tampa Police Department.
“Over the past few years the City has terminated high ranking Black officers at the Tampa Police Department and the EEOC has sustained wrongful termination complaints against the City in the terminations of former Major Carl Davis and former Lieutenant D. Johnson.”
