A City-County Council committee voted unanimously Aug. 23 to investigate allegations of abuse by members of Mayor Joe Hogsett’s administration and campaign.
The Rules and Public Policy Committee advanced a proposal, which was first reported by Mirror Indy, to form an investigative committee in the wake of allegations against Thomas Cook, Hogsett’s former chief of staff.
The investigative committee would contract with an outside law firm or human resources organization with no ties to city government to lead the investigation. Councilors say the committee would have the power to subpoena witnesses and collect evidence, citing a provision in state law.
The council also is expected to take further legislative action on sexual harassment training and consensual relationship agreements.
As currently proposed, the members of the investigative committee would comprise five Democrats and two Republicans. They would be appointed by the three members of the Council’s Committee on Committees: President Vop Osili, Democratic Majority Leader Maggie Lewis and Republican Minority Leader Brian Mowery.
Mowery suggested that councilors consider dividing the committee evenly between Democrats and Republicans, though it’s unclear if Democrats, who hold a 19-6 majority on Council, would agree to that submission.
“Between now and our full council meeting, as we always do, we’ll work in bipartisan fashion to have those discussions to come to a compromise,” Councilor Crista Carlino, a Democrat and chair of the Rules Committee, told reporters following the meeting.
In separate investigations published by Mirror Indy and IndyStar, Lauren Roberts and Caroline Ellert described how Cook used his power to make them feel trapped and victimized by his behavior.
A third subordinate, who asked not to be named, recalled how Cook showered her with praise and, on one occasion, invited her to drink at his apartment alone.
Cook has not been charged with a crime.
The full council is expected to vote on final passage of the investigative committee at its Sept. 9 meeting.
Councilors anticipate the investigative committee will release a full report by Feb. 28, 2025.
Peter Blanchard covers local government. Reach him at 317-605-4836 or peter.blanchard@mirrorindy.org. Follow him on X @peterlblanchard.
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