Minneapolis
Bonnie Bleskachek, an avowed lesbian and Minneapolis’ first female fire chief, was placed on leave after three women sued her for sexual harassment. One suit, brought by firefighter Kristina Lemon, charges that Bleskachek, 43, denied her a promotion after Lemon rebuffed her sexual overtures. The two other suits allege that Bleskachek nullified results of promotion exams after her current lover failed the test, while her former lover passed. Bleskachek’s lawyer, Jerry Burg, said “it boggles my mind” that anyone would think Bleskachek’s romantic life affected her management of the force.
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