Grota v. Holcombe
E. F. Grota, a warrant officer for the Corporation Court of the City of Houston, was dismissed from his position by the City Secretary, acting under the authority of Mayor Holcombe. Grota alleged his dismissal, purportedly for economic reasons, was actually politically motivated due to his vote against the mayor. He filed a suit seeking a writ of mandamus to compel the Civil Service Commission to grant him a hearing for reinstatement, an injunction against Mayor Holcombe to prevent interference, and a money judgment against the City of Houston for lost salary. The trial court sustained a general demurrer and special exceptions, dismissing Grota's suit. The appellate court, relying on a prior precedent (Ellis v. Holcombe et al.), reversed the trial court's decision, holding that Grota was entitled to a hearing by the Civil Service Commission and, if wrongfully dismissed, reinstatement and recovery of back salary.