tobacco spit according to the lawsuit. When O’Brien filed an equal employment opportunity claim against the city for the treatment, it was shared with her coworkers without the redaction of her name. City Councilwoman Karen Stratton said before the unanimous vote approving the settlement Monday night O’Brien “deserved better.”

“As a former city employee, I want to personally apologize to Ms. O’Brien for the treatment she was subjected to while she worked for the City of Spokane,” Stratton said.

The vote was 6-0 in favor of the settlement. City Councilman Breean Beggs abstained.

O’Brien’s attorney, Brad Axtell, said Wednesday his client was pleased with the outcome and the steps the city has taken to improve its policies. The city is currently revising its sexual harassment policies with the involvement of the Spokane chapter of the National Organization of Women, as part of a settlement of an ethics complaint filed by the group in response to the ouster of former Police Chief Frank Straub.

“I can say I’m confident that the city is taking steps in the right direction, to revamp their policies and procedures,” Axtell said. More here. Kip Hill/SR

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