WFHB Bloomington Community Radio
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Monroe County Commissioner Amanda Barge announced she will resign, this afternoon.
Barge is accused of sexual harassment by former independent Monroe County contractor, Brandon Drake. The County Commissioner previously suspended her campaign for Bloomington Mayor. The mayoral campaign suspension was announced as the same day as an Indiana Daily Student article‘s publication, which included audio excerpts and correspondence between Barge and Drake.
Barge’s announcement states she will resign, effective next Monday.
“The past two weeks have been difficult for this community. It is with a heavy heart and concern for my family that I resign from my position as County Commissioner, effective midnight,
April 15, 2019.
I have struggled mightily with this decision, and how to defend myself from allegations of sexual harassment in a way that is respectful of everyone involved. I call on our community to
develop a process by which these allegations – and any similar allegations in the future against other public officials – be investigated and mediated by an independent third party. Such a process could allow Mr. Drake and me to engage in respectful, independently mediated restorative justice.
I am thankful to the voters for this incredible opportunity. It has been an honor to work with the county staff that I have grown to call family and who are the backbone of county
government. I am proud of what we accomplished.
Thank you for this opportunity, Monroe County.”
