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City of Penticton ‘likely not’ going to pursue legal action

It’s unlikely the City of Penticton will pursue further legal action against a woman accused of defaming its employees.
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It’s unlikely the City of Penticton will pursue further legal action against a woman accused of defaming its employees.

At a press conference last week, Elvena Slump revealed she’d been sent a letter by a law firm hired to ask for an apology and retraction of comments she made about a handful of city workers.

Slump refused to apologize and sought legal counsel of her own.

The city now expects to leave the matter “probably right where it is,” and “likely not” proceed with a lawsuit, said Mayor Garry Litke.

“We’ve invested enough time and energy to let her know that her behaviour is inappropriate, but it’s up to her to decide now whether she wants to change it or not,” he said.

“We’ve got really important issues facing the city right now, and we can’t afford any further distractions of that nature.”

Slump said she’s still waiting for the city to inform her directly that it won’t pursue the matter further.

“I’ve got a letter from the lawyer that is telling me basically if I don’t apologize and do certain things that I’m going to end up in civil court being sued by one of the best defamation lawyers in the country,” she said.

“If the city isn’t going to pursue this any further, I suggest they talk to my lawyer.”