Holden’s Reimbursement Bid Denied

The City Council refused to act Wednesday on a motion by Nate Holden seeking legal fees and other reimbursements from a former receptionist who sued the lawmaker for sexual harassment. Instead, the council referred the matter to a council committee dealing with the city’s finances.

Holden said he was disappointed by his colleagues’ action. “I believe this sends a wrong message to taxpayers, who are in charge of the money that is being spent,” he said. “We have got to take action against those who would seek to raid the city’s general fund with frivolous lawsuits.”

But others said Holden’s attempts to seek court costs and attorneys’ fees from Marlee Beyda could have a chilling effect on other women who might sue for sexual harassment.

Holden, who was vindicated in Superior Court, was also sued by two other women. One of those suits was dropped and a court of appeal recently ruled that the other must go to trial.