Taylor is a Democrat who represents the Eighth District, which includes parts of Christian and Trigg Counties. He applied for the position of vice president for special projects at PED last year. In a complaint filed Jan. 6 in U.S. District Court, Taylor alleges that PED passed him over for a white candidate with far less experience. Taylor is seeking lost wages and benefits, as well as compensatory damages for "emotional distress", and punitive damages.
Taylor has a Bachelor's degree in Communications, a Master's degree in Community Counseling, and certifications in Basic Economic Development. He has more than 30 years of experience in economic development work for the Tennessee Valley Authority.
Paducah attorney Wes Sullenger is representing Taylor in the case. He says PED went with William McDowell, a much younger white man who had only been out of college for five years and had less than seven years of relevant experience. Sullenger says Taylor was never even interviewed for the position, which listed "an advanced degree, training and certifications" as preferred qualifications for the job. The suit argues that this alleged discrimination was a violation of the Equal Protection Clause under the 14th Amendment.
Paducah Economic Development CEO Scott Darnell flatly denied the allegations in an affidavit, saying that Logan Development Group, the consulting company hired to assist with the search for qualified applicants, never even mentioned Taylor as a possible candidate. "Logan did not notify me that Jeffrey Taylor had made application for the position, nor did it forward his resume to me for consideration," Darnell said. "I did not discriminate against Taylor for any reason." Sullenger says he believes there is proof that PED was aware of his client's interest in the position prior to making a hiring decision.
PED filed a motion to dismiss the case, arguing that they are not a government agency and therefore are not subject to the 14th Amendment's equal protection clause. Judge Thomas Russell denied that motion, not speaking to the merits of the case. Sullenger said PED should be subject to the same standard as a government agency, since the organization is so closely involved in local government. "PED says its mission is to promote economic development for Paducah and McCracken County. There are a lot of government people that sit on its board, and it receives government funding." Sullenger said.
Sullenger also says he'd like to see more diversity within PED. He noted that all of its board members are white, despite previous calls to add minorities to its ranks. "There's absolutely no diversity there on the board of directors. It's an all white entity." Sullenger said.
The case is set to go to trial in July 2017.
