>>City Official Demoted After Staff Allege Receiving 'Toxic' and 'Abusive' Treatment
(Roanoke, VA) -- City staff emails to the Roanoke City Council reveal a hostile work environment. Katie Gray with the story.Preview: Voicer Script:
Roanoke City Manager Bob Cowell confirms the emails detailed agressive behavior and events called "toxic" and "abusive" that lead to the reassignment of the assistant city manager, Brent Robertson. Employees in the Finance Department expressed concerns about their safety and well-being in the workplace, leading to calls for Robertson's immediate removal. The Roanoke Times reports Cowell took prompt action in response to the incident and initiated a review by an outside party to prevent similar incidents in the future. City council members have refrained from commenting on the matter, citing it as a personnel issue.