Mayoral Aide Fired Over Inappropriate Comment

DENVER (CBS4)- An aide working for Denver Mayor Michael Hancock has been fired over an inappropriate comment.

Wayne McDonald was fired in May after being accused of an inappropriate comment in front of a female police officer.

Hancock discussed the change in his administration during a news conference scheduled to address the challenges the City of Denver faces in next year's budget shortfall.

"Mr. McDonald worked for my administration. He was an employee of mine. I was my responsibility to dismiss appointees or hire them," said Hancock.

Hancock would not got into any specific details of what led to the firing. He confirmed reports that McDonald had made inappropriate comments in front of a female Denver police officer.

"We had received an accusation which we looked into immediately and we acted on immediately and Wayne McDonald was an employee here with my administration. He is not at this time," said Hancock.

McDonald has hired an attorney to clear his name. Ann Sulton said her client is accused of making a sexual remark.

"Mr. McDonald has been accused of misconduct that he categorically denies," said Sulton.

McDonald and Hancock have a long history of working together. McDonald worked with his mayoral campaign more than a year ago. He was so highly valued in his position that Hancock appointed him to a high-paying position in the administration.

Hancock said firing McDonald was in the best interest of the city.

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• Michael Hancock