Ex-Medina Police Chief Jeffrey Chen Finalist for Oregon Job

Former Medina police chief Jeffrey Chen, who accused the city of systematic racism in a federal lawsuit, has come in second to be the top cop in Lebanon, Ore., according to the Albany Democrat-Herald.

City officials in Lebanon said they contacted Chen, again, after their top pick, Mark Daniel, changed his mind about taking the job, according to the Democrat-Herald on Friday.

When the neighboring city of Medina announced the departure Chen in December 2010, the announcement didn't give a hint of the turmoil that surrounded what ultimately resulted in Chen's firing. 

, the majority of the city council backed city manager Donna Hanson's decision to fire him based on what she called violations of the code of conduct, including lying during two city investigations, abusing his position in voiding some tickets, making improper purchases and improperly accessing the city’s email archives.

Chen denied the reports, and some residents defended Chen's honor,

In January, , accusing city officials of racism. The suit cited instances in which he said that city officials and employees made derogatory statements about blacks and Asians, and made disparaging statements to Chen regarding his Chinese-American background. The suit also says that he was treated differently from other non-minority employees.

On the web:

Lebanon’s pick for chief bows out, Albany Democrat-Herald

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