March 28, 2024

Muscatine official sues city’s mayor, claims defamation

MUSCATINE — The Muscatine city administrator has filed a lawsuit against the city’s mayor, alleging she defamed him during the mayor’s tumultuous first term that saw her removed from office and then returned to the position by a judge’s order. The Muscatine Journal reports City Administrator Gregg Mandsager filed the lawsuit Friday against Mayor Diana Broderson, just days after she was elected to a second term.

Mandsager accuses the mayor of five charges including defamation and infliction of emotional distress. He's requesting Broderson compensate him for "injuries" and pay for the legal action.
Broderson was re-elected after a lengthy process in which the council removed her as mayor, saying she overstepped her authority and made unfair accusations against the council and Mandsager. A judge last month ruled the removal violated Broderson's right to due process.

Broderson says Tuesday she wants to move on “in a positive way for the community.”