Hostile work environment in Chicago’s Department of Water Management triggers $950K settlement

A scandal involving emails in the Chicago Department of Water Management — which oversees, among other things, the city sewer system — has cost taxpayers again. (Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times)

Five years ago, a shake-up triggered by racist, sexist and homophobic emails swept out Water Management Commissioner Barrett Murphy and top deputies William Bresnahan and Paul Hansen, son of former Ald. Bernard Hansen (44th).

Then-Inspector General Joe Ferguson stumbled upon the hate-filled emails while investigating allegations Paul Hansen was using his city email account to sell guns.