OGDENSBURG - City Manager Arthur J. Sciorra has taken preliminary steps to file legal action against some representatives of the city.

"I believe that some of my rights both as an individual and as a city employee have been violated by some representatives of the city," said Mr. Sciorra in a written statement.

City Clerk Kathleen Bouchard said Mr. Sciorra has filed a Notice of Claim with the city. A Notice of Claim is a legally required step for any individual wishing to file a lawsuit against the city.

Mr. Sciorra did not say who his complaint would be directed toward, but Deputy Mayor Michael D. Morley confirmed that he had received the notice.

"I will have to leave any comments to my attorney," said Mr. Morley.

The notice comes after a prolonged conflict between Mr. Sciorra and members of the Ogdensburg CIty Council over who should be held responsible for problems in the city's housing programs. Mr. Morley and Mayor William D. Nelson have accused Mr. Sciorra of lying to and withholding information from the City Council about 819 Knox Street, a city-owned house in which a family was allowed to live for three years without paying rent or taxes.

"Unfortunately, my reputation, my character, and my standing in the community have been under fire," said Mr. Sciorra's statement. "The pressure has put a strain on my family and jeopardized my future career as a city manager."

Mr. Sciorra's employment with the city was also a subject raised during Ogdensburg's mayoral and City Council elections, when nearly all of the candidates agreed it was time for the city to part ways with Mr. Sciorra.

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