Russ Neal, Akron City Councilman denies the allegations of six women. The human resources investigation also found that he created a hostile work environment.
The investigation was launched 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 interrupting, talking about, dismissing, badgering and badgering female employees of the city.
Investigative findings revealed disrespectful and demeaning behavior towards women
Margo Sommerville, president of the City Council, said that a woman employee approached her to express concerns about Neal’s interactions with her last fall. The employee filed the complaint with human resource in October 2021.
Other allegations included demeaning and disrespectful behavior, which created a hostile work environment and was based on gender.
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 answered the Beacon Journal when asked if there were any complaints from men.
Sommerville stated that Neals’ behavior is not new, even though it is the first time that 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 became overwhelming.
Sommerville claimed that Neal, the council leader, has spoken to him on numerous occasions regarding similar complaints. However, those issues were never resolved.
Neal denies the allegations. Female colleagues attest to his character
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 and undermine both his credibility and character. Neal stated that he has not been subject to any complaints during his 13-year tenure as City Council member or as a property manager and business owner.
Ward 5 Rep. Tara Mosley claimed that she has never been bullied as a female by Neal in all her years on council.
She said that he was very straightforward.”His delivery is exactly what it is, however, to say that he bullies women or has aggression towards women is not true.
Linda Omobien, a member of the at-large council, also supported 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 previously had confrontations with the city’s law department and has accused the departmentof not treating his requests to create his own legislation seriously.
He 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 think people like the questions he asks about the city’s budget allocation and other issues. 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 must follow up on these concerns. This has nothing to do politics.
Mayor Dan Horrigan sent an email statement saying that he takes his responsibility to protect City employees from hostile work environments very seriously. He also stated that he will take all necessary steps to ensure that employees feel safe and supported at work.”I find the claim these allegations are a tactic of City administration to discredit anybody to be unacceptable. This is not about politics. It’s about protecting City workers.”
Neal will meet with the 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 conduct a private counseling session with Neal to discuss 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 by the investigation to undergo training on workplace harassment. He was also advised not to communicate with City Council staff about specific concerns or questions regarding Council procedures or processes. Sommerville should be the place for all communication.
Currently there are three council staff members. They are all women.
Reporter Abbey Marshall is part of Report for America’s corps. This national service program places journalists in local newsrooms. Learn more at reportforamerica.org. Contact her at at [email protected].