Irondequoit Democratic Committee postpones town supervisor designation

https://www.rochesterfirst.com/news/he-clearly-cannot-continue-to-serve-irondequoit-democratic-committee-postpones-town-supervisor-designation/

IRONDEQUOIT, N.Y. (WROC) – Tuesday night, Democrats in Irondequoit voted to hold off on whether or not to support current Town Supervisor Andrae Evans as he seeks re-election. Community members made this decision, 53-19.

Monroe County Clerk and Irondequoit Democratic Committee Member Jamie Romeo suggested the motion to postpone the designation at the Democratic Committee meeting, saying it was necessary for voters to “take a beat.”

“We needed to do this, the community and the voters in this community need time to process what has gone on,” Romeo said. “We have a lot of concerning information that everyone needs more time to process, this is a really important decision.”

Evans is accused of harassing and retaliating against a female assistant and other employees under his supervision. Details were outlined in an investigative report filed by a law firm.

Along with many others in the room, Romeo saw the importance of this decision on a personal level too. As a lifelong resident of Irondequoit, she’s frustrated.

“As a female leader and as a woman, I’m extremely exhausted about having to constantly have this conversation about what is appropriate behavior in the workplace,” Romeo said. “When you are in an elected office, you are held to a higher standard. Your conduct, behavior, and words are very important. You have to acknowledge when you make mistakes.”

Because of this, Romeo is hoping the town considers a different town supervisor candidate for endorsement.

“I don’t think Supervisor Evans has acknowledged his mistakes. He clearly cannot continue to serve and he does not have that support. We need this town to move forward,” Romeo said.

A date for when the designation will take place has not yet been determined.