Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Zima is at it again...
I don't know what to think now. I sort of agree with him. Training at 10 p.m.?
Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt is asking the City Council to expel Alderman Guy Zima if he refuses to participate in harassment training.
"Putting aside his unruly behavior, Guy Zima is putting the city at risk for lawsuits by not attending this harassment policy training," Schmitt said in a news release Tuesday night.
Zima walked out of an Aug. 7 training, which was added to the end of the council agenda at the last minute.
"He wants to make something out of nothing," Zima said late Tuesday .
Zima said Schmitt wanted to conduct the session a little after 10 p.m. without notifying the council ahead of time. Zima said that was unacceptable.
The council unanimously voted on May 1 for a revised harassment and discrimination policy that included all city employees, according to a news release from Schmitt's office. The training acts as a defense to harassment and discrimination litigation.
CVMIC, the city's insurer, which handles such claims, encouraged the training and presented it to the council Aug. 7. The company has presented the training to more than 250 city employees and expects to train all employees by the end of the year.
Schmitt could not be reached for comment Tuesday night, but in the release, Schmitt said, "There's a legitimate liability issue here, and Guy Zima is putting us at risk."
Over the years, Zima's behavior has led employees to file complaints with the city, Schmitt said.
The City Council is entitled to fine or expel a member permanently for neglect under a state statute.
"I think he will come to his senses, apologize for his behavior, and receive the training," Schmitt said. "But if he doesn't, the council needs to stand up to him, protect the taxpayer and take appropriate action. They have the power, they just need the courage to use it."
In the meantime, Zima said he has reviewed the policy and is willing to participate if the lack of it presents legitimate insurance concerns for the city.
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