By LEONARD GRAY

Managing Editor

LULING – A former tax office employee of the St. Charles Parish School Board filed suit Tuesday in federal court.

He claimed he was fired for his political activities, in particular, running for Parish Assessor in 2003.

Friloux, who served as St. Charles Parish President for two terms prior to his employment by the school board, asserted in his lawsuit he was “wrongfully terminated, in retaliation for his questioning of matters of public concern, exercise of his free speech rights and his political activities.”

School system spokeswoman Rochelle Cancienne stated emphatically, on the other hand, that Friloux’s position was eliminated during a restructuring of the department, and that he was not fired at all.

Friloux worked as assistant director of tax collections and claimed he was discouraged from running for office and threatened with retaliation.

He also claimed his supervisors removed him from a position of authority after he says he pointed out financial discrepancies.

The lawsuit names the St. Charles Parish School Board and its superintendent, Dr. Rodney Lafon, as co-defendents.

Friloux claimed he suffered, as a result of his alleged termination, “damage to his reputation, loss of income and benefits, and emotional distress.”

He further asserts a claim of “emotional distress, mental anguish and loss of civil rights.”

No specific damages have been asked for in Friloux lawsuit.

Friloux is represented by New Orleans attorney, Alexandra Mora.