KC mayor's wife files response to ex-staffer's lawsuit

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Kansas City Mayor Mark Funkhouser's wife is not a city employee and a lawsuit against her by a former staffer should be a dismissed, according to her legal response.

Gloria Squitiro is the wife of Mayor Mark Funkhouser and a full-time volunteer in his office. Her legal reply claimed that Ruth Bates, a former staff member in the mayor's office, was not harassed, discriminated against or retaliated against, according to The Kansas City Star.

Squitiro cites federal and state rulings on her behalf and is asking to have the case dismissed and that Bates be ordered to pay Squitiro's attorney fees and costs.

In June, Bates filed the suit against Funkhouser, Squitiro and the city. Bates claims she was subjected to sexual and racial discrimination and harassment.

Bates also claimed that Squitiro created a hostile workplace by repeatedly making lewd comments.