A week after Columbus City Council approved a settlement with Councilmember Emmanuel Remy’s former legislative aide, Remy addressed allegations he mistreated the former employee.
“I had a valued employee who had a negative experience while working in my office,” Remy said at the council meeting on Nov. 24. “I want to acknowledge that even without intention, my actions impacted this employee negatively and I deeply regret that.”
Remy’s comments during the council meeting were very similar to those he made in a statement he issued last week after the council voted on the nearly $85,000 settlement as he was in Salt Lake City for a National League of Cities conference.
The settlement was over a human resources issue involving the former employee, Averi Townsend, taking leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act. In a demand letter sent to the city, Townsend’s attorney alleged council staff contacted her while she was on leave in a campaign to drive her out of the office and retaliated against her. City staff offered to help her find a different job away from Remy.
Townsend also alleged Remy was a bad manager who cursed and shouted at her. Council President Shannon Hardin called Remy’s treatment of Townsend disrespectful and unacceptable. Hardin said he is holding Remy accountable and required Remy to take management training.
“I’m a passionate person. I speak loudly at times and yes, I can swear,” Remy said, again repeating much of what he said in his statement previously. “This passion reflects my deep commitment to serving the residents of Columbus. But passion alone is not an excuse for creating an environment where someone feels uncomfortable. I take that very seriously.”
He said he is participating in professional management coaching to ensure everyone he works with has a positive experience.
Remy also addressed items raised in the letter that was released to media after the settlement was approved.
He said legislative aides often participate in political events outside of work, but council members, including him, never require employees to participate.
Remy also said he believes the employees involved in the FMLA issue have taken accountability and the entire council office will benefit from having reexamined the office’s human resources procedures.
Government and politics reporter Jordan Laird can be reached at jlaird@dispatch.com. Follow her on X, Instagram and Bluesky at @LairdWrites.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: ‘Yes, I can swear.’ Columbus Councilmember Remy responds to settlement
Reporting by Jordan Laird, Columbus Dispatch / The Columbus Dispatch
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