Russ Neal, Akron City Councilman denies allegations made by six women. The allegations were substantiated in a human resources investigation which found that he created a hostile work environment.
The investigation began after a complaint had been filed in October 2021. According to documents obtained from the Beacon Journal the investigation found some of the allegations credible. There was a pattern of conduct that involved interrupting, talking about, dismissing, badgering and badgering female city employees as well unprofessional communication.
Investigative findings revealed disrespectful and demeaning behavior towards women
Margo Sommerville, President of the City Council, stated that a female employee approached Margo with concerns about Neal’s interactions last fall. The complaint was filed with human resources by the employee in October 2021.
The allegations also included demeaning and disrespectful behavior, which created an hostile work environment based upon gender, and violations to City Council rules.
Six women raised concerns about the conduct of Neal during the investigation, which was led by Yamini Adkins, the city’s Human Resources Director, and an independent consultant.
The report stated that some of the complainants were concerned that Neal is dismissive of them and demeaning based on their observations of his interactions between male counterparts.
Sommerville said that he is not a target for women when he was asked if men had complained.
Sommerville stated that Neals’ behavior is not new, even though it is the first time a complaint has been made.
She said that she has had conversations about this before. It just got to the stage where it just bubbled up. It was overwhelming.
Sommerville stated that Neal was a council leader who has spoken to her on multiple occasions about similar complaints. However, these issues were never addressed.
Neal denies all allegationsHis character has been confirmed by female colleagues
Neal, however denies any previous discussions with council leadership on this topic and called the allegations made against him unsubstantiated.
They try to dismiss someone and discredit them. He said that they also try to defame them. I don’t even know the names of the six women.
Neal stated that he believes the allegations are a city administration tactic to discredit him, undermine his credibility, and undermine both his character and character. Neal claimed that he has never been the subject of complaints in his 13-year tenure at City Council, as a business owner or property manager.
Ward 5 Rep. Tara Mosley stated that she has never been bullied by Neal as a woman in her years on council.
She said that he was very straightforward. “His delivery is as it is, but to claim he bullies women and has aggression towards them, no.
Linda Omobien (at-large council member) also stood by her colleague.
She stated that this was nothing more than a character murder. Mr. Neal does not bully. He is passionate about representing his constituents.
The former deputy director of the city’s law department headed the HR investigation.
Neal has had past confrontations with the city’s law department. He has accused the department not taking his requests for legislation drafting seriously.
He has also argued with the mayor, council leadership and has sparked discussion about how much power City Council should have.
He stated that he doesn’t like the questions he asks about the city’s budget allocation. He chalks the investigation up as political.
Sommerville stated, “Council leadership takes it very serious when we have someone who brings up concerns regarding harassment.” “We have to follow-up on those concerns. This has nothing to do politics.
Neal will meet you council Leadership to discuss next steps
The investigation’s recommendations have been implemented by the council leadership. Sommerville, Jeff Fusco, President Pro Tempore Mike Freeman and Vice President Jeff Fusco will hold a private counseling session with Neal to address the complaints.
Sommerville stated that they will review the recommendations for human resources and give him a notice that their behavior will not tolerated.
If it continues, she said that they will take the next step, which could include removing Neals from the chairmanship of the parks recreation committee.
Neal was also recommended to receive training in workplace harassment and not communicate with City Council staff regarding specific concerns or questions about Council processes or procedures. Sommerville should be the place for all communication.
There are currently three members of staff on the council. They are all women.
Reporter Abbey Marshall is a Corps member of Report for America, a national program that places journalists in local newsrooms. Learn more at reportforamerica.org. Contact her at at [email protected].
This article was originally published on Akron Beacon Journal. Akron councilman denies six women’s accusations of harassment.
