KANSAS CITY — Kansas City City Council members are expected to discuss the latest developments in a former mayoral aide’s discrimination lawsuit.
The former aide, Ruth Bates, is reportedly demanding a bigger settlement from the city after Mayor Mark Funkhouser publicly questioned her motives and characterized her as an opportunist.
Council members are to discuss the settlement demand in closed session when they meet Thursday.
Bates had initially sought $350,000 from the city for its part in a lawsuit she filed against the city, Funkhouser and his wife, Gloria Squitiro. She now is reportedly asking for $800,000 from the city.
In announcing his $30,000 settlement with Bates for his portion of the lawsuit, Funkhouser said Bates sued only after Squitiro declined to lend her $5,000.