What Would You Do?

I ran into a situation that sickens me. Someone I thought was a friend and works for the same department I do tried to get me fired.

I found out about six weeks ago that her septic system wasn't permitted. Not a big deal, most septic systems in the state aren't because until 2002 the state wasn't enforcing permitting. When we come across an unpermitted system we have the owner register it and that solves the problem. Part of the registration involves us inspecting it to make sure it's sound and isn't posing a threat to the environment and/or public health. She was going through a difficult period so I waited and finally went to talk to her about it last week. Her reaction was to call my division director and tell him that I was threatening her.

This person is a political appointee of the Governor so her word carries some weight. I weighed the situation and realized that I was being told in not so many words that if I pursue this I'll be fired. Since I'm still on my first year probation, (the year I worked in superfund didn't count), it wouldn't be too difficult for them to "let me go". I decided to shut up for now. Getting myself fired wouldn't change anything. Richardson has about one year left and when that year is over she loses her clout and we can go after her.

I'm pissed off beyond belief that she would do this. And I feel like my integrity is being compromised. But I think I'm making the right decision.

What would you do in my situation?