Panel urges ouster of lesbian fire chief
From Times Wire Reports
A city panel recommended that Minneapolis officials fire Bonnie Bleskachek, the nation’s first openly lesbian big-city fire chief, in the wake of firefighter lawsuits accusing her of harassment and discrimination.
Bleskachek, 43, had earlier agreed to step down. But the city’s executive council unanimously rejected a negotiated deal after a closed-door meeting.
“She was pretty stunned, because it was a complete surprise,” said Bleskachek’s attorney, Jerry Burg. Bleskachek has denied any wrongdoing.
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