Mayor Hermosillo addresses complaints against Councilwoman McDaniel's behavior towards staff

The El Mirage City Council held a special meeting on July 8, 2025, to address serious allegations involving Councilwoman Anita Nora McDaniel and her interactions with city staff. The meeting focused on two formal complaints filed against McDaniel, which highlighted concerns about her behavior and communication style.

The first complaint, submitted by a city staff member, detailed an incident on June 19, 2025, where McDaniel reportedly confronted the staff member about mail delivery in an aggressive manner. The staff member described feeling uncomfortable and uneasy during the interaction, which escalated when McDaniel questioned whether the staff member was calling another colleague a liar. This incident prompted a formal notice from Mayor Alexis Hermosillo, emphasizing the need for professionalism and respect in interactions between council members and staff.

In the notice, Mayor Hermosillo expressed disappointment over McDaniel's behavior, noting that it was part of a broader pattern of conduct that had been raised multiple times over the years. The mayor outlined the council's expectations for respectful treatment of staff and indicated that further action would be taken, including a potential meeting to discuss the situation and the possibility of disciplinary measures.

A second complaint was filed following another encounter on June 30, where McDaniel approached the same staff member to discuss the previous incident. The staff member reported feeling uncomfortable again, particularly due to McDaniel's insistence on discussing the matter without the presence of a witness, despite expressing a desire for support during the conversation.

The council's discussions during the meeting underscored the importance of maintaining a respectful workplace environment and the need for accountability among council members. The outcome of these complaints and any subsequent actions will be crucial in determining the future dynamics within the El Mirage City Council and its relationship with city staff.