Seven Indy council members appointed to committee to investigate sexual harassment in Hogsett administration

Indianapolis, Indiana – A special investigative committee headed by two Republicans and five Democrats was created on Tuesday night with the goal of looking into allegations of sexual harassment that have occurred within the administration of Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett.

To represent them on the committee, Democrats nominated Councilors Rena Allen, Jessica McCormick, Crista Carlino, Andy Nielsen, and Kristin Jones. Councilor Josh Bain and Minority Leader Brian Mowery were appointed by the Republicans.

The nominations follow the council’s unanimous resolution the previous day to begin looking into claims of sexual harassment made against a number of high-ranking city officials and Hogsett’s handling of those claims.

The committee intends to engage an impartial, external firm to investigate the claims and offer suggestions for how best to proceed.

Majority Leader Maggie Lewis stated, “They understand the importance of us taking a deep dive into what’s happened in the past and how do we move forward.”

Following the accusations made against Thomas Cook, the former campaign manager and chief of staff for Mayor Hogsett, an investigation committee comprising members of both parties has been established.

Cook was accused by two women of abusing and harassing them sexually while they were employed by Hogsett. They alleged that Cook continued to be Hogsett’s right-hand man even after disclosing the accusations.

More victims have come forward after those claims were made public, and as a result, another senior city employee was fired last week, and at least six more are being looked at. All of this will be investigated by the committee.

According to Mowery, there might be more victims out there.

“I’m concerned that this will become an increasingly common problem,” Mowery expressed. “I encourage more people to come forward if they are out there, as we have seen in the last few days that an increasing number of people are coming forward with these accusations.”

Lewis stated that it was deliberate for her to appoint four women to the committee and that it is critical that women’s perspectives be heard.

According to Mowery, the decision to name Bain and himself was made by consensus.

Lewis stated that it is critical that the procedure avoid politics, even though each member’s name has a “R” or “D” next to it.

“In the end, we have demonstrated to ourselves that we are not a rubber stamp by our readiness to proceed,” Lewis remarked. “I’m not sure that we would have created an investigative committee if it was really about being a good Democrat.”

Though doubtful, the Republican minority hopes for the same.

“I would hope that we can come together on this and not have the issue of Democrat or Republican if Madame Leader is the gospel on that,” Mowery remarked. You know I couldn’t say that if I was claiming it wasn’t on the back of my mind. It’s undoubtedly an idea that crosses my mind.

The group is mandated to hold its first formal meeting within the next three weeks, as per the proposal. Until the investigation is over, they must get together at least once a month.