A lawsuit has been filed against the city of Bangor alleging violations of the state’s Whistleblowers’ Protection Act, wrongful discharge, and retaliation for reporting violations of the law.

The suit was filed Monday by former Department of Public Works foreman Jordan Cummins and current Bangor Mayor Lynne Farmer.

Attorney Jon Marko tells us Cummins was hired by the Bangor DPW in 2022 and was later promoted to foreman. The suit, filed in 36th Circuit Court in Van Buren County, alleges Cummins in 2024 and 2025 observed and reported safety and environmental hazards at the DPW, but the city refused to take corrective actions. It says Cummins then reported the violations to Mayor Farmer.

The suit says on June 30 of 2025, Cummins reported the city’s violations to MIOSHA and EGLE, which led to his demotion, accusations of insubordination, and ultimately, his firing on August 5.

Meanwhile, Mayor Farmer alleges that because she supported the whistleblower activity of Cummins, she was subjected to “a coordinated campaign of retaliation” by the city manager and council members.

Named as defendants in the lawsuit are the city of Bangor, City Manager Justin Weber, and DPW Director Steve Lowder.

Marko tells us the suit seeks damages to be determined by a jury.