Former Lansing Councilmember Lou Adado is being sued for $3.5 million for sexual harassment.

Heather Eman, a Lansing City Council receptionist, filed suit against Adado on Wednesday.

The lawsuit, which also names the city and the Michigan Licensed Beverage Association, where Adado is chief executive officer, seeks damages for lost earnings, loss of career opportunities and emotional distress.

Council Vice President Carol Wood said Eman first stopped working in February, using her sick days and vacation time. Wood said Eman requested time off through the Family and Medical Leave Act in March. The requested time off would last until June 11, she said.

“We have not received any indication that she is returning,” Wood said.

Adado resigned April 8, saying the sexual harassment accusations were interfering with his work on city council.

Eman’s attorney, Hugh Clarke Jr., and city attorney Jim Smiertka could not be reached for comment.

Saturnino Rodriguez, an MSU professor of romance languages, will fill the position until Jan. 1.

The remaining three years of Adado’s term will be served by the winner of November’s election.

Seven people made Tuesday’s deadline to apply for candidacy, but Monica Zuchowski pulled out of the race Friday to focus on other commitments.

The six remaining candidates are Robert L. Bennett, Jerry Heathcote, Amy Hodgin, Brian Jeffries, Kathy Pelleran, and Vincent Villegas.