The New York town of Hamburg is making headlines. Not because of debt problems or budget issues. It's because of a swirl of accusations of harassment, including quid pro quo sexual harassment, and they all center around a councilwoman.

The assistant police chief of the town has filed a formal complaint, alleging the two, who are both single, had an intimate relationship. He says the councilwoman agreed to support him to become the town's police chief.

According to the Buffalo News, she tried to advance their intimate relationship. But when he attempted to back off, he felt that his potential promotion was in jeopardy. He says he felt pressure to continue the relationship, even though he felt strange that she called and texted him on a daily basis.

The assistant police chief, who is 50, apparently has worked for the Police Department since 1985. He met the 51-year-old councilwoman in 2009 when she was campaigning for a position on the Town Board, the Buffalo News reports.

The man also says the councilwoman asked that he stop at her house regularly to look at a contractor's work; insisted that she write his letter of interest for the police chief position; had his resume professionally re-done at a local business; and introduced him to family.

The assistant police chief reportedly filed his claims with the town, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the state Attorney General's Office. The councilwoman, who is fighting off an unrelated complaint, vehemently denies the allegations.

Source: Buffalo News, "Councilwoman accused of harassment," Barbara O'Brien, Aug. 14, 2011