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Public presses National City leaders after $10 million verdict; council moves to closed session
Summary
Public commenters condemned the city's handling of harassment claims that led to a $10,000,000 jury verdict and pressed the city to explain outside-lawyer hiring and a $9,400 payment; the council went into closed session to discuss the Cummins litigation and the city attorney's performance.
National City public commenters on Monday pressed elected officials to explain how the city handled employee harassment and discrimination claims that resulted in a $10,000,000 jury award in Cummins v. City of National City.
At a special council meeting called by Mayor Morrison, residents — including former city attorney Michael Geary and multiple people who identified themselves as neighbors or complainants — accused city leaders of failing to listen, questioned the selection of outside counsel and asked whether taxpayer funds would cover the judgment.
"You're not listening when the people bring problems to your attention," Louisa McCarthy told the council, referencing the verdict. "The jury reached a different verdict than you because they listened and did something." McCarthy and other speakers urged officials to consider whether the city had taken effective action when complaints were raised.
Former City Attorney Michael Geary — speaking…
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