The two women have retained an attorney, Ralph Chamness, who specializes in employment law, according to his company Web site. He contacted the city attorney's office this week on behalf of the women.

When read Anderson's statement over the phone, Chamness said "interesting." He declined further comment.

Here is Anderson's statement in full:

"I am a passionate person. I'm passionate about this city and I'm passionate about our world. I work hard and I expect everybody that works for this city to work hard to make things better. I've made mistakes. I've made hiring mistakes and I've made mistakes in the way that I've handled things when it became apparent that some city employees were not getting the job done.

"We have accomplished a lot of good things. We have built a remarkable team who are working very hard for the people of this city. And we need to keep moving forward.

"I've lost two good friends as a result of this recent ordeal and I truly wish them the very best. I hope that some day we can renew those friendships. If I became impatient, if I became frustrated, if I said or did anything that hurt or caused anxiety to anyone, I'm sorry. I wish things had turned out differently. I will continue to demand the very best from those who are paid by taxpayers, and I'll continue doing my best for the people of this great city."

A handful of employees from the mayor's office watched Anderson read the statement and applauded when he concluded.

The statement was an unusual thing to do. But this has been an unusual situation. When most people are fired or quit, they leave quietly. Anderson fired Seed last Friday. She fired back and said the mayor was "abusive" and belittled and degraded her and other employees.

Cordwell has declined comment. She quit the day Anderson fired Seed.