Based on his repeated sexual harassment of colleagues and constituents, Ulster County residents demand that the Ulster County Legislature:

1. Censure Legislator Hector Rodriguez, and 
2. Request his resignation

In early 2019, several sexual harassment complaints were filed against Ulster County Legislator Hector Rodriguez. They included forcible kissing, relentless messaging, and retaliation when women declined his advances. 

Ulster County hired an independent firm to investigate the allegations. In summarizing the testimony of the women, the investigators found that “Mr. Rodriguez exploited his position as a legislator to gain access to multiple women in an effort to proposition them and ‘hit on them.’” The investigators recommended “corrective action, including and up to requesting resignation.” 

While individual legislators have condemned his behavior, the legislature itself has not responded as a body to the findings of the report or the infraction of the County’s sexual harassment policy.  The continued lack of consequence sets a harmful and dangerous precedent and sends the wrong message to both legislators and Ulster County constituents. 

At the next full Ulster County Legislature meeting, on Tuesday November 19th, we demand that the Ulster County Legislature vote to censure Mr. Rodriguez as well as publicly request his resignation, thereby communicating to constituents that his behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

Silvana Ramos

Tanya Garment

Oriana Mayorga

Rebecca Martin

Betsy Kraat

Minya Dejohnette