Romeo Speaks to Accountability in Irondequoit

https://www.rochesterfirst.com/news/irondequoit-town-supervisor-andrae-evans-responds-to-allegations/

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) – The Office of Irondequoit Town Supervisor Andrae Evans has released a statement in response to allegations made by the Town Board accusing Evans of violating the town’s Anti-Harassment and Sexual Harassment policies.

According to a new investigative report released by a law firm, Evans made several sexual remarks to a female employee and further retaliated against her throughout her employment with the town in 2024.

The report claimed there were numerous times when the employee, and other employees, were put in uncomfortable positions because of the actions of Evans. The employee reported these interactions quickly deteriorated her relationship with Evans and led to her resignation in late 2024.

In the statement, Evans offers an apology stating ” I need to first apologize if my words were heard in either a diminishing or inappropriate way by anyone. I would never intend to cause harm with anything I said, and I am simply so sorry if my words were heard in a way I did not mean”.

Evans previously said he does not plan to resign and seeks re-election as he denied sexual harassment claims against him.

Although Democrats in Irondequoit voted to postpone the town supervisor designation, Evans announced in Friday’s statement, he looks forward to continuing to show the citizens of Irondequoit his true character.

Monroe County Clerk and Irondequoit resident Jamie Romeo told News 8 Evans should hold himself to higher standards.

“When you are the supervisor, you are not a coworker. You are the leader. You are the elected leader of town government,” Romeo said. “It seems like veiled gaslighting to a lot of the people that make complaints. And I don’t see any sincere sincerity in this comment.”

Following the release of the report, the Town Board called for Evans to step down from his role. Romeo said right now, there is more of a focus on intent versus impact.

“I’m hopeful that the supervisor will reconsider his actions and still step aside so the town can move forward,” Romeo said. “We really need to be looking at our community and trying to move everybody Forward, forward in a positive direction.”

News 8 did reach out to members of the Irondequoit Town Board and are waiting to hear back. The law firm representing Evans said this will be his only statement at this time and is “looking forward to the opportunity to address this matter in greater detail at the appropriate time.”