El Mirage council censures Councilmember Anita Norton McDaniel after staff harassment complaint; sanctions approved 5-2

The City of El Mirage Common Council voted on Oct. 7 to censure Councilmember Anita Norton McDaniel and to impose related sanctions after a staff member filed a complaint alleging an unprofessional interaction at City Hall on June 19.

Council Member Dorsey, who moved the formal action, described the matter as “what was said that caused the employee to be uncomfortable,” and argued the council faced potential liability if the conduct continued. Dorsey moved that the council formally censure Norton McDaniel, remove her from committee assignments, restrict her travel for one year effective Oct. 7, 2025, and limit her direct communications with city staff to the city manager, city clerk, city attorney and the municipal judge; the motion was seconded and then approved on a roll-call vote.

During the meeting Norton McDaniel disputed the characterization of the June interaction and presented a timeline and documentary records she said were obtained through public‑records requests. She said records and video she reviewed showed that the employee’s account differed from what others had characterized and that she had not confronted or berated the employee as claimed. Norton McDaniel repeatedly objected to the process used for the special meeting on July 8 and to the timing and handling of records produced to her.

Council debate was extensive and at times contentious. Supporters of the sanctions said the council must protect employees and maintain a workplace free of intimidation; opponents said procedural fairness and due process were concerns in how the matter advanced to a public censure. Council Member Aldridge said the city must “maintain a zero tolerance policy for harassment.”

The roll-call vote recorded five ayes — Council Member Dorsey, Council Member Aldridge, Council Member Winston, Vice Mayor Parsons and Mayor Alexa Hermosillo — and two nays from Council Member Gentry and Norton McDaniel, who voted against her own censure. The council instructed city staff and appointed officials to implement the communication restrictions and other sanctions.

Council members and the mayor emphasized this action does not remove an elected official from office; it is a formal disciplinary and governance action by the council. Council members also said the meeting record, submitted documents and staff statements will remain part of the city record. Norton McDaniel said she intends to make the records public and suggested further review of council processes.