Politics & Government

Former Municipal Clerk Gets $200K Settlement

Employment dispute between the town and the short-lived clerk will cost taxpayers $100,000.

The conflict between Parsippany's administration and the municipal clerk enthusiastically hired in May 2011 has been resolved. In a unanimous vote at its Tuesday agenda meeting, the Township Council agreed to approve a legal settlement with Elesha Johnson to have her drop her lawsuit against the town for $200,000.

The sum will be split between the township and the town's insurance company.

The vote came after the council discussed the matter in a quick closed-door session.

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The council was all smiles when , to replace retiring clerk Judith Silver.

The glee did not last long, however.

Find out what's happening in Parsippanywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Within a week of starting the job on Aug. 1, 2011, .

Former employee Tonae Bettelli and current staffers Cara Fox, Leslie Miller and Janet Zorsky filed complaints against Johnson, charging her with making racial, sexual and religious statements that left them feeling uncomfortable in the workplace.

Johnson, who is married, denied the allegations and filed counter-complaints against the four women. 

All of the grievances were dismissed by township administration, and .

The clerk's office workers filed a $4 million dollar tort claim, alleging that Parsippany officials did not support them and even retaliated against them. In documents published by Parsippany Life, the employees allege Mayor James Barberio swore at Miller after she filed another complaint in October 2011.

Johnson's legal action alleged that she experienced a hostile work environment and received no reinforcement from town officials. On the advice of counsel, she has yet to reveal the specifics of her complaints.

After four months on the job, Johnson took a work-related medical leave that lasted until her employment ended, which Business Administrator Jasmine Lim confirmed last March.

Bettelli retired from her position in the municipal clerk's office, also citing health reasons, prior to Johnson's departure. 

Reached for comment by Patch, Johnson said she was pleased that the council agreed to the settlement.

There is no word yet as to the status of the office workers' case.

At present, retired Pompton Lakes Clerk  while the town continues its quest to find a permanent replacement.


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