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NOTICE OF ADMONISHMENT OF SENATOR MARK MANENDO BY SENATE MAJORITY LEADER AARON D. FORD As you all are aware, during this legislative session, I received complaints about inappropriate conduct by the Senator from District 21. As Majority Leader of the Senate, I take such complaints very seriously. For that reason, I asked for an independent investigation to be conducted to determine whether the Senator from District 21 violated the anti-harassment policy that is included in Joint Rule No. 20. That investigation is ongoing. As I have previously stated, I had hoped the investigation would be completed by now, but once the investigation commenced, more allegations came forward which meant it would take more time to complete the inquiry. I have become aware that allegations of inappropriate conduct involving the Senator from District 21 spans many years, including complaints of multiple incidents this legislative session. Although the investigation has focused on more recent conduct, it has become clear to me that the Senator from District 21 has developed a reputation of harassing and intimidating young women at the Legislature and engaging in conduct that makes them uncomfortable and I believe his conduct has had a negative impact on the working environment within the Legislature. We have done our best to provide a discreet investigation knowing that many women were hesitant to come forward in fear of retaliation or having their employment adversely affected for complaining. I want to reassure those women that they did the right thing. None of us are beyond reproach and we must not tolerate sex based, gender based or any other type of harassment by members of the Senate. And in that regard, no person – whether a legislator, lobbyist, member of the staff, intern or anyone else – should be placed in a position where someone inappropriately exerts control in a way that intimidates, harasses or makes them uncomfortable. Accordingly, it is my intent to ensure that we have augment our process and make it easier to file a complaint, to have that complaint properly investigated, and to see that complaint resolved. In addition, it is my intent to ensure that we properly define unacceptable conduct. We are here to represent the people of this State and we must hold ourselves to the highest standard. In that representation, harassment has no place. In the end, this type of distraction makes people question the integrity of the legislative process, which is something we
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just cannot tolerate. The Senator from District 21’s conduct, whether intentional or not, has caused many complaints to be brought to me this session alleging an intimidating, hostile and adverse working environment. Although this Legislative Session will soon adjourn sine die, the investigation will continue until the investigator has completed the interviews of the people necessary to complete the report and establish findings. Nevertheless, I am making this statement as an admonishment to the Senator from District 21 for using his position in a manner that has caused others to feel uncomfortable and for engaging in conduct that I believe to be unbefitting of a Senator, and I ask that this be entered into the record. Upon conclusion of the investigation, I will determine based upon all of the evidence whether any further action is necessary to protect the integrity of the Senate, the legislative process and the people who visit or work at the Legislature.