THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, December 1, 1995 TAG: 9512010320
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B9 EDITION: FINAL
DATELINE: FRANKLIN LENGTH: Short : 29 lines
Dale R. Cooke, former acting city manager, has filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission alleging racism by the City of Franklin.
City Attorney Bruce Stewart said the city has until today to respond. It denies any racism, he said. Cook, 45, did not return calls.
Cooke, 45, was fired Oct. 23 by the City Council for ``lack of confidence'' in her abilities and for personnel reasons. In a November, City Council meeting, more than 150 African-Americans from the Franklin community protested ratification of a contract with the new city manager, Roland L. ``Bucky'' Taylor, for Southampton County administrator.
Civic leaders Wayne Hart and Audrey Milteer organized residents to protest the businesses of Mayor C. Franklin Jester Jr. and Councilman Lynn E. Powell.
Cooke was hired in April 1994, by former City Manager John J. ``Jack'' Jackson. She became acting city manager when Jackson became ill.
Long-time city employee Mollie Bass is filling Cooke's post until Taylor takes the position on Jan. 1. by CNB