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Mayor defends his chief of staff in face of harassment lawsuit

Says he's confident city's version of events will stand up in court
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Greater Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger is defending his chief of staff Melissa Zanette in light of a lawsuit filed by a former staffer of the mayor's office.File photo

Greater Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger is defending his chief of staff Melissa Zanette in light of a lawsuit filed by a former staffer of the mayor's office.

As first reported on Sudbury.com on Thursday, former employee Alicia Lachance is suing the city for $300,000, alleging harassment by Zanette and claiming she was fired in retribution for making a formal complaint to the city's HR department.

In a statement released late Thursday, Bigger said he can't comment on the specifics of the lawsuit.

“While this matter is before the courts and we cannot speak to matters pertaining to human resources, I categorically refute the claims made by the complainant,” Bigger said in the statement.

 “I stand firmly behind Ms. Zanette and her work, and believe that the position of the city and my office will be upheld by the court.”

Read the original story here.


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