GOSHEN – A Human Resources investigation into allegations that Laurie Tautel, chairwoman of the Orange County Legislature, shoved a co-worker have been found inconclusive, sources told Mid-Hudson News.
Despite the findings, the County’s Republican Legislative Caucus has called for Tautel’s resignation.
“I’m glad this process has concluded and will continue to do the work of the people of Orange County,” said Tautel, a Democrat.
The Republican Legislative Caucus said in a statement that the “circumstances surrounding this matter raise serious and troubling concerns that cannot be dismissed or minimized,”
“An inconclusive report is not a clean bill of health, it is a failure to definitively resolve allegations of misconduct at the highest level of leadership,” the Republican Caucus added. “Public trust demands accountability. Leadership requires a standard of conduct that is beyond reproach. Chairwoman Tautel has fallen short of that standard. For the good of the institution, the integrity of the legislature, and the well-being of its employees, we call for the immediate resignation of Chairwoman Tautel.”
Zak Constantine, Chairman of the Orange County Democratic Committee, fired back at the Republicans.
“Just one day after news that County Legislator John Revella was indicted for fraud, his Republican caucus is desperately reaching to try and even the score,” Constantine said. “After a full and complete investigation, the claims against Chair Laurie Tautel were unproven and she continues to productively lead the legislature. Constituents across the County deserve representation focused on real issues and not cynical political games that only serve to distract and divide.”
The findings in the Tautel investigation were shared internally on Wednesday. The alleged incident occurred late last month after a legislative meeting when the victim accused Tautel of pushing her because she was “pestering” her about a legislative matter.
The victim subsequently filed a complaint with Human Resources. Orange County Human Resources Commissioner Langdon Chapman could not immediately be reached for comment on Thursday. The county typically does not comment on personnel matters.
Tautel was elected as Chairwoman of the Legislature in January.
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