Riverside City Council Criticizes Resident for Harassment

The Riverside City Council issued a formal letter accusing a resident of harassing city employees through various communication channels. The letter, addressed to Susan Freeman, wife of City Manager Mike Futrell, described her actions as disruptive and distressing for staff.

Susan Freeman, the subject of the letter, strongly denied the allegations and portrayed the action as an attempt to suppress her personal opinions. She argued that her communications were within her rights, even as the controversy sparked discussions about the boundaries of free speech and workplace conduct.

The issue arose after numerous emails and texts surfaced, leading to public concerns over alleged toxic working conditions within City Hall. This development has prompted some residents to call for Mike Futrell’s resignation as city manager.

‘It’s a weird story,’ said local resident Jason Hunter, who shared the letter online. ‘The core question is whether the actions of a family member can be so distracting as to warrant the termination of their relative’s employment.’

Although the City Council discussed Futrell’s performance, no action was taken in a recent meeting. Freeman considers the allegations a baseless attack on her right to criticize public figures, highlighting her past activities as a communications expert and author.

Concerns emerged about Freeman’s interactions with city staff, prompting an anonymous email to city officials questioning the potential influence these meetings could exert. Freeman’s social media presence also drew attention, notably her post-election comments that sparked debate over perceived impropriety in expressing political beliefs.

The City Council emphasized Freeman’s right to engage in business activities, but argued her relationship with Futrell might pressure city staff when soliciting participation or donations. Freeman disputes this claim, explaining that she suggested donations for a community project and offered to cover costs for events involving city employees.

Freeman pursued a public records request to seek evidence supporting the allegations, yet later withdrew it. However, the city disclosed various documents, including anonymous claims of Freeman’s over-involvement in city affairs.

Meanwhile, Jennifer Lilley, a city official mentioned in anonymous complaints, had her contract terminated but remains unaware of the specific reasons. Freeman seeks to uncover the source of these anonymous letters and reached out to city officials for assistance, receiving no response.

The controversy affected Futrell’s career prospects when he was considered for the city manager position in Pasadena. Following the public reveal of the council letter, the Pasadena City Council announced that Futrell withdrew from consideration, citing the impact of the letter.

The incident highlighted tensions in Riverside as Freeman engaged in a public dispute with Jason Hunter, which escalated when Hunter disclosed Freeman’s public records request. This led to further scrutiny of Freeman’s actions and assertions about political expression rights.

As Riverside officials review Futrell’s job performance, he has requested patience for a thorough assessment of the facts, defending his family from what he describes as unfair allegations.