Fired Sunland Park city manager says $211k settlement from city is ‘vindication’

Almost two years ago, former Sunland Park city manager Bob Gallagher was fired for alleged misconduct. But now he’s speaking out about the settlement of his wrongful termination lawsuit, which he says exonerates him.

“We had the truth on our side. I’ve been vindicated,” Gallagher told ABC-7 in an interview on Wednesday.

Gallagher’s receiving a $211,000 payout from the city to settle the case from his Aug. 2017 termination, but the city is not admitting to any fault. City officials declined to comment on the settlement.

The former manager contends he was fired after he refused to comply with several directives from three city councilors who wanted him to engage in ethically questionable — and possibly illegal — actions,

However, an independent investigation failed to turn up evidence of corruption and no charges were brought.

Gallagher also faced allegations of wrongdoing as the city manager of Jal in southeast New Mexico, where he was suspended after claims of sexual harassment were brought against him. His accuser sued, but that lawsuit was recently dismissed by a judge.