Aurora worker suspended five days for controversial e-mail

Aurora's assistant economic development director promised Wednesday that a lapse in judgment in sending a controversial e-mail is not part of a pattern and will not curb his enthusiasm for developing new business in the city.

Manuel "Manny" Maysonet, speaking publicly about the incident for the first time, said an e-mail he sent to hundreds of city employees warning of a possible health scare at Walter Payton's Roundhouse was meant only as a "heads' up" to colleagues.

On Aug. 18, while lunching at the restaurant at 205 N. Broadway, Maysonet, said he informed his server that he found two flies in his salad.

When he returned to work, he used the city's distribution list to send hundreds of employees an e-mail titled "Health Warning."

"The Kane County Health Department will be conducting an on-site inspection of the Walter Payton's Roundhouse after several complaints about flies within the meals," Maysonet wrote. "Please stay away until the Kane County Health Department issues their official findings."

Maysonet said he didn't mean to scare anyone.

"I clearly meant it solely as a FYI to my colleagues," he said Wednesday. "Apparently the health department takes these complaints very seriously. But it was not my intention to be mean-spirited or shut down the Roundhouse. I just wanted peace of mind."

Health department officials said Payton's scored "very well" on their inspection and did not pose a health threat. They said Maysonet's complaint was the only one they have received for the establishment in the past five years.

"The Roundhouse had a bad day with flies and I had a bad day in judgment," Maysonet said. "But the measure of a man is how you bounce back and I will bounce back with professionalism and work to improve the overall business climate of Aurora. Anyone who gives me a chance will see this was an isolated incident and is not a pattern or a trend of Manny Maysonet."

City officials remained mum on what, if any, punishment has been meted out. Maysonet also declined to discuss it.

But Fourth Ward Alderman Rick Lawrence, who has called for Maysonet's termination, said city attorney Alayne Weingartz told him Maysonet would be "suspended for five days without pay for his actions, which she referred to as a misuse of city computers and e-mail."

Weingartz declined comment. "We do not comment on personnel issues, disciplinary measures or union negotiations," she said.

Alex Alexandrou, the city's director of Human Resources and Risk Management also declined comment. Chief of Staff Bill Wiet did not return a voice mail.

Roundhouse owner Scott Ascher said he had yet to hear from the city but would be disappointed if a five-day suspension was the only discipline handed down.

"I'm not satisfied. The guy needs to be fired," Ascher said. "His actions in recent days show he is not qualified and he has no credibility."

Maysonet, however, said he is still involved in city projects and meetings regarding high-profile businesses.

"I have an unwavering commitment to best serve citizens of Aurora and improve our business climate," he said. "I will continue to bring new initiatives and best economic development practices to the City of Aurora."