Paso Robles City Manager Ty Lewis has been on medical leave since August, following his collapse at a city meeting. Now, Lewis is seeking $2 million from the city, claiming the incident was brought on by harassment-induced stress.
The legal claim Lewis has filed accuses City Councilmember Chris Bausch of threatening him, harassing him over his religious and political beliefs, and spreading false rumors that he attends sex parties.
Lewis says the barrage of attacks caused him sleeping problems, severe anxiety, and gastrointestinal distress. These issues came to a head on May 7 when Lewis fainted during a council meeting. The councilman is now being treated for severe hypertension. He says his primary care provider has determined it is due to work-related issues.
Bausch has declined to comment on Lewis’ allegations. The city has already denied his claim, setting up the potential for a lawsuit.
Read more at the San Luis Obispo Union-Tribune.