New Mexico Lottery may face discrimination suit

NEW MEXICO – As reported by the New Mexican: "Two sales representatives who resigned Friday from the New Mexico Lottery said they were forced out by being given more work so they could be replaced by younger employees with lower pay. The two men, Ken Dahlstrom, 61, and Jack Minter, 67, said they are considering an age-discrimination lawsuit against the lottery.

"Both men have worked at the lottery since its inception in 1996.

"…Minter, who lives in San Miguel County, said five sales representatives have resigned or been fired this year, leaving more work for the remaining employees.

"…Tom Romero, the lottery's chief executive officer, said Dahlstrom and Minter were not victims of age discrimination. He said the lottery has eliminated 11 positions as part of cost-cutting measures needed because a new law allots a bigger portion of lottery revenues to a college scholarship fund.

"That means all employees, regardless of age, have had to take on more work to pick up the slack, Romero said…"