Indianapolis City-County councilor calls on Hogsett to resign

INDIANAPOLIS — An Indianapolis City-County councilor is calling on Mayor Joe Hogsett to resign following a report that detailed how his administration handled the allegations of sexual harassment against Hogsett’s former right-hand man, Thomas Cook.

Andy Nielsen, a Democrat who represents District 14, posted his call for the mayor’s resignation in a statement on Monday.

“I believe our community’s collective character is stronger than this — and that accountability starts with a change in leadership. Mayor Joe Hogsett must resign,” Nielsen said.

Nielsen is a member of the city-county council’s Investigative Committee. On Thursday, the committee was presented with the findings of an independent investigation into the allegations against Cook.

Cook was a top advisor to Hogsett until being accused by at least three separate women of harassment or assault while working as part of Hogsett’s administration.

Despite the investigation concluding the city acted within legal bounds, the law firm behind the independent review did recommend changes to city policies and oversight structures.

Even though no legal wrongdoing was found by Hogsett or his staff, Nielsen expressed “serious concerns” about Hogsett’s decision to allow Cook to remain in his position for 68 days after human resources learned of the allegations of misconduct.

“Ultimately, the investigation’s underlying conclusion is clear: the Mayor’s repeated decisions to retain Cook demonstrated a profound lack of judgment and disregard for fundamental ethics,” Nielsen wrote. “These decisions knowingly put people in harm’s way and eroded trust in institutions that we should and must hold to the highest standard. I am incredibly disappointed by his poor leadership.”

Hogsett has not commented on Nielsen’s call for his resignation.

Hogsett did release a statement on Thursday night in reaction to the independent findings presented to the Investigative Committee. That statement can be read below.

“I would like to commend the members of the City-County Council’s Investigative Committee for their due diligence in conducting an independent and thorough investigation into the sexual harassment allegations made against Thomas Cook.

I instructed my administration to fully cooperate in the investigative process conducted by the Council’s selected law firm of Fisher Phillips. I am appreciative to everyone who provided testimony and access to information, including work and personal texts and emails, as part of the investigation, especially the survivors who have had to revisit painful experiences and trauma.

While I have not had an opportunity to read the full report at this time, the findings are clear that the earlier investigations and resulting sanctions were handled appropriately and confidentially.

It remains crucial that the City has the best system in place for reporting, investigating, and dealing with harassment of any kind, which is why I will work with the City-County Council on how these recommendations may further strengthen efforts to create a safer, better workplace for everyone throughout the City’s operations.” – Mayor Joe Hogsett
Mayor Joe Hogsett