I have been aware, though not closely following, the bullying and harassment allegations case lodged against Lewes Deputy Mayor Saliba by City Manager Ellen Lorraine McCabe and Assistant City Manager Jane Reeves. I saw in last Friday’s Cape Gazette that the independent investigation has cleared Saliba of the allegations. However, council’s statement did indicate that “certain of the complainants’ allegations might violate the city’s anti-bullying policy, [but] none of the allegations establish the requisite elements of unlawful harassment.”
The article went on to quote Saliba stating that he will “discuss with council McCabe’s and Reeve’s future with the city.” This is deeply concerning, as this is retaliation and it is, in no uncertain terms, illegal.
Mayor and city council should not do any such thing and should follow the stipulations of the investigation's findings, namely the stated management training. Mayor and city council should, however, address Saliba’s retaliatory remark and be on notice of any possible future retaliatory actions from him against McCabe and Reeves, including the prospect of legal action against him for illegal retaliation. This cannot be overlooked or swept under the rug. Retaliation is strictly prohibited by law and cannot be implicitly or explicitly accepted or overlooked.
Beth M. Polakoff
Lewes
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