Ethics Board to Get Earful on Vito Lopez
August 29th, 2012
The Joint Commission on Public Ethics should be expecting quite a few complaints regarding Assemblyman Vito Lopez and the allegations that he sexually harassed women working for his office.
The National Organization of Women NYC and Common Cause are filing a joint complaint with JCOPE asking them to investigate the scope of Lopez’s “misconduct.” Citizens Union which is the sister organization to the Gotham Gazette, is calling on JCOPE to investigate, as is Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
“Assemblyman Vito Lopez’s reported acts of sexual harassment against numerous employees make him entirely unfit to serve the public in any capacity,” said Sonia Ossorio, President of NOW NYC, in a statement. “Just as disturbing is Speaker Silver’s cover-up of Lopez’s earlier transgressions, which demonstrate an ongoing acceptance and tolerance for sexual harassment. It is absolutely unacceptable that in the hallowed halls of government, women demanding the fair and equal treatment to which they are entitled under the law should be met with secrecy and muzzled. JCOPE must investigate the full extent to which members of the Assembly staff, and of Mr. Lopez’s former and current staff, were aware of his conduct, and the Speaker’s role in burying these egregious charges. We will not allow the New York State Assembly to disregard women’s rights.”
Lopez has denied the allegations, saying that he intends to prove “the political nature of these accusations.”
“I have worked tirelessly over the years to bring important programs and services to the poor and working poor,” he said in a statement. “This could not have occurred without the support and time commitment of dedicated staff, many of whom have benefited from the positive work experience in the positions they currently hold and in the subsequent careers that they have pursued.”
By David King on August 29, 2012, 12:25 pmIn category: Albany,Eye on Albany | 1 Comment »
November 27th, 2012 at 3:40 pm
I guess, it comes down to 60573 simple choice!