Totten testified he thought Ferguson was making the allegations because he had aspirations for higher office but called his charges factually incorrect, over the top and "bull something".
Totten told the jury Ferguson's allegations were defamatory because they gave the impression the Pension Board was trying to deceive Common Council and the public
The former City Manager says he has no knowledge of anyone getting a disability pension because they didn't get along with their boss and there was no one on the Pension Board laughing at Common Council and the taxpayer.
Totten does concede there was a breakdown in communication between city staff and Council saying he found it disheartening to see trust undermined.
