Louisville Metro Government Public Works Director Ted Pullen has resigned.Mayor Greg Fischer's office has confirmed that Pullen turned in his letter of resignation at 4:30 p.m. Friday, saying he wanted to pursue other opportunities.Fischer spokesman Chris Poynter says the search for a new director will begin immediately.In June, WFPL requested documents from Metro Government, including "complaints filed against Louisville Metro Public Works Director Ted Pullen by Metro employees in the department since February 1, 2012." In response, we were told a complaint was pending and could not be released. When asked later that week about any complaints against Pullen and whether his office asked Pullen to resign, Fischer told WFPL he had not asked Pullen to resign at that time. When asked whether there was an investigation into any complaints against Pullen, Fischer replied "We have personnel issues all the time and obviously we don't discuss those." The abrupt resignation follows a sexual discrimination lawsuit that was filed earlier this week by a Metro employee who alleges Pullen has a history of bias against female workers. In a suit filed in Jefferson Circuit Court on Wednesday, interim Jefferson County Engineer Paula Wahl alleges she was deliberately re-appointed to the position on a trial basis while Pullen searched for a permanent male appointment. Wahl also claims she was paid substantially less and she is seeking back pay and punitive damages from the city.
