SALINA -- The former director of the Salina Housing Authority, who was fired in January 2008, has filed suit in federal court alleging the primary reason for her dismissal was her refusal of sexual advances by former mayor and city commissioner Alan Jilka.

Jilka, a prominent Salina businessman, is running for the Democratic nomination for the congressional seat being vacated by Rep. Jerry Moran, R-Kan.

Reached for comment Monday afternoon, Jilka initially said he was "totally unaware" of the lawsuit, but then categorically rejected the claims.

Ann Rollins Johnson, who was director of the Salina Housing Authority from December 2000 to January 2008, filed the suit in federal court Oct. 13. The lawsuit follows complaints she filed last year with the Kansas Human Rights Commission and the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

The federal lawsuit alleges she was the victim of sexual and gender discrimination and seeks unspecified damages. It names Jilka, the city of Salina, the Salina Housing Authority and the housing authority's five board members.