PORTSMOUTH, Va. — There is growing fallout in Portsmouth, four months after Tonya Chapman's controversial entry as city manager. A letter 13News Now obtained Thursday, dated October 7 and penned by Chapman, makes breach of contract allegations.
Chapman is accusing Mayor Shannon Glover and Councilman Bill Moody, in part, of actions that create a hostile work environment.
To recap, a divided council in late May voted to oust Angel Jones in the position. By June, council appointed Chapman to replace Jones with yet another divided vote.
Mayor Glover and Councilman Moody were among those who did not vote in favor of Chapman's appointment.
In Chapman's letter, she wrote about experiencing "continued insolent behavior" before and after being appointed city manager.
She added that Glover has not acknowledged her in some meetings and important events.
She particularly referred to a July 5 meeting with Glover, in which she claimed: "His first statements were that he did not trust me ... and he never will."
Chapman also expressed her frustration over Glover's behavior during city council meetings, which she said has shown bias and disparate treatment.
As for Moody, Chapman claimed a July 6 meeting with him included sentiments about lack of confidence in her qualifications and that it was "going to be tough for [her.]"
Moreover, Chapman said Moody continues to spread unfounded statements about her.
Her letter partly added the following, as well: "Words and concerted actions of Glover and Moody are creating an atmosphere of a hostile work environment." All of which, the city manager said constitute a breach.
Glover told 13News Now by phone he has no comment at this time. And Moody texted saying, "There can't be a breach on my part, when my comments occurred prior to [Chapman] becoming City Manager and prior to a contract." However, Chapman's timeline and accusations outlined in the letter dispute that.
A supporter of Chapman, Vice Mayor De'Andre Barnes, told 13News Now that the alleged actions, if true, show a double standard.
"They've expressed in the past about support for our women, specifically Black women. But it seems like that was more political, when they said it now, because they're showing this Black woman the disrespect they claim to be against," Barnes said.
Councilman Chris Woodard, Jr., who also voices support for Chapman as a city manager, spoke with 13News Now over the phone. He said he is not surprised by the allegations Chapman laid out in her letter.
Woodard believes unfair treatment has been at play, and he said that could have hindered Chapman from doing her job.
13News Now also asked the city for an interview with Chapman. A spokesperson reached back and said that, per the city attorney, this is a personnel matter. They are not offering comment, at this time.
Chapman's letter ended by saying written notice of the breach gives Glover and Moody a span of 30 days to correct their actions. That would mean until this Sunday.
And until Glover and Moody's actions are "corrected," Chapman said she is not comfortable meeting with either of them unless there is an independent witness.
Additionally, 13News Now also obtained correspondence showing the city has retained an expert employment attorney.
You can view Chapman's full letter below.