Minnesota Mayor Sues His Own City

BECKER, Minn. (AP) — A mayor in eastern Minnesota is suing his own city and its council members.

Becker Mayor Jerome "Lefty" Kleis says his free speech rights have been stymied. Kleis says censures imposed by the City Council have violated his civil rights and liberties and have affected his ability to perform his mayoral duties.

The most recent censure accused Kleis of harassing city staff. It directs the mayor not to have contact with city employees without a council member present. Kleis' attorney, Phil Villaume, tells the St. Cloud Times the mayor was recently told he couldn't access his city mail unless another person was present.

City administrator Gary Pruszinske says the decisions regarding the mayor have been appropriate and justified.