Sheboygan mayor in hot water again

SHEBOYGAN - Last week Sheboygan Mayor Bob Ryan apologized for a video that surfaced on YouTube.com where he made inappropriate comments about his sister-in-law.

Now the city is responding to claims that Ryan fired the city's former human resources director, Angela Payne, after she would not accept his alleged sexual advances.

The city council met for more than two hours Tuesday night to discuss the legal issues surrounding Payne's firing, though no action was taken during the meeting.

After the meeting, Sheboygan City Attorney Steve McLean read a statement:

"The committee of the whole discussed and analyzed the facts and circumstances surrounding the written claims of Angela Payne made through her attorney. Strategies were discussed as well as strong defenses. The council explained the legal processes that may take place and how the city might defend itself."

The mayor did not comment after the session, but said a comment may be coming in the future.

Because of the YouTube video that recently surfaced, some say Mayor Ryan shouldn't be representing Sheboygan anymore, others say it's too soon to make that call.

“My opinions are based on the video of him in the bar talking trash talk. That's what spurred me on to some action” Marilyn Montemayor, a member of the city council told FOX 11.

Montemayor says the YouTube video of Mayor Bob Ryan making comments about his sister-in-law's weight and sexual ability made her look at the possibility of a resolution, removing Ryan from office.

“I thought he does not represent the city well and of course it'd be very difficult to deal with any women whatsoever, I think, coworkers, business executives. I'd be surprised if he could deal effectively with other executives coming to town to want to do business with us.”

Montemayor and at least one other alderperson are look at what needs to be done to get a new mayor in Sheboygan.

But not everyone is ready to get rid of Ryan.

Alderman Bill Wangemann says he needs all the information before the city overturns the last mayoral election.

He also says he's not making any comments regarding the allegations of sexual advances by the mayor toward the city's former human resources director.

“As far as the letter goes, to me that's a one sided thing so far. I've heard nothing from Mayor Ryan and as I mentioned before I was a police officer for 30 years and of course you have to look at both sides of everything and I've only seen one side here so I can't really even comment on the letter because it's her side. I'd like to hear mayor Ryan's side” said Wangemann.

Wangemann also said he would like Ryan to speak out and give his side of the story.

Jim Bohren is another member of the Sheboygan city council. Up until recently, he was president, but he stepped down from that position. Bohren says he gave up his job as president because of his own physical health concerns and the possibility that Mayor Ryan may soon be losing his job in light of recent circumstances.