April 10, 2021
Perspective by Dan O’Donnell
To hear Milwaukee City Attorney Tearman Spencer tell it, he’s just a cheerful, friendly guy. He readily admits to calling female employees “sweetheart” and “dear,” complimenting them on their looks, and asking about their families. Sure, he’s a little old fashioned, but really, what’s the harm in that?
A Department of Employee Relations investigation into his conduct, though, has determined that he has been harassing subordinates since the moment he took office after being elected last April.
“At least six employees have individually complained about Mr. Spencer, and there are several others who have witnessed the behavior,” investigator Katherine M. Holiday determined. “Among such concerns are several incidents of potentially offensive/discriminatory verbal comments and behavior, as well as one incident of unwelcome physical contact with a female colleague.”