Slaughter Blasts Maggie Brooks' Leadership in Wake of Crime Lab Scandal
By: WROC-TV
Updated: June 12, 2012
The following statement was released from Louise Slaughter's campaign,
early this evening.
It comes in response to the scandal at the Monroe County Crime Lab, and the dismissal late today of County Crime Lab Director Janet Anderson-Seaquist.
NYS Inspector General Highlights One More Scandal Under Maggie Brooks' Watch
Rochester, NY - Today, the New York State Inspector General released a report highlighting "improper and irresponsible practices" by the administration of Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks that resulted in the destruction of key evidence in criminal cases. Brooks repeatedly refused to answer questions (here and here) regarding her decision to place the County's Crime Lab director on paid leave and has since fired her appointee.
"This is just one more scandal under Maggie Brooks' watch. Her poor judgment has tarred Monroe County in scandal after scandal through egregious misuse of taxpayer funds, reckless personal behavior, and an abandonment of professional responsibilities," said Slaughter's Campaign Manager Liam Fitzsimmons. "Taxpayers and crime victims have a right to know why Maggie Brooks refused to tell voters why she placed her appointee on paid leave, what prevented her from taking stronger action weeks ago, and how she is going to ensure victims never suffer from this type of failed leadership again."
This is not the first time Brooks' leadership has been called into question. In 2012, former airport director Susan Walsh pleaded guilty to driving while intoxicated. Walsh resigned her position with the Greater Rochester International Airport. She was arrested December 22 after she allegedly ran a motorist off the road and rear-ended another near Washington Street and Linden Avenue in East Rochester shortly before 7 p.m. while driving a county-issued 2011 Ford Escape. [Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, 1/24/12] Conservative commentator Bob Lonsberry referred to Brooks' response to the episode as "an abandonment of leadership."
"Forensic laboratories serve a critical function in the criminal justice system. The integrity of our forensic laboratories is essential, and the public deserves full confidence in their results," said Acting Inspector General Scott. "Individuals charged with supervising our labs must be held to the highest standards, which include sound oversight, management and policies."
According to the Democrat and Chronicle, "Brooks' tenure has had its share of scandals, from the airport director who used public funds to pay for cigars and strip club visits to the arrest of trades workers who were paid by the county. The Greater Rochester International Airport's director resigned amid the revelations. A state audit later recommended that Brooks replace the authority board, a suggestion that Brooks dismissed." [Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, 10/16/11]
It comes in response to the scandal at the Monroe County Crime Lab, and the dismissal late today of County Crime Lab Director Janet Anderson-Seaquist.
NYS Inspector General Highlights One More Scandal Under Maggie Brooks' Watch
Rochester, NY - Today, the New York State Inspector General released a report highlighting "improper and irresponsible practices" by the administration of Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks that resulted in the destruction of key evidence in criminal cases. Brooks repeatedly refused to answer questions (here and here) regarding her decision to place the County's Crime Lab director on paid leave and has since fired her appointee.
"This is just one more scandal under Maggie Brooks' watch. Her poor judgment has tarred Monroe County in scandal after scandal through egregious misuse of taxpayer funds, reckless personal behavior, and an abandonment of professional responsibilities," said Slaughter's Campaign Manager Liam Fitzsimmons. "Taxpayers and crime victims have a right to know why Maggie Brooks refused to tell voters why she placed her appointee on paid leave, what prevented her from taking stronger action weeks ago, and how she is going to ensure victims never suffer from this type of failed leadership again."
This is not the first time Brooks' leadership has been called into question. In 2012, former airport director Susan Walsh pleaded guilty to driving while intoxicated. Walsh resigned her position with the Greater Rochester International Airport. She was arrested December 22 after she allegedly ran a motorist off the road and rear-ended another near Washington Street and Linden Avenue in East Rochester shortly before 7 p.m. while driving a county-issued 2011 Ford Escape. [Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, 1/24/12] Conservative commentator Bob Lonsberry referred to Brooks' response to the episode as "an abandonment of leadership."
"Forensic laboratories serve a critical function in the criminal justice system. The integrity of our forensic laboratories is essential, and the public deserves full confidence in their results," said Acting Inspector General Scott. "Individuals charged with supervising our labs must be held to the highest standards, which include sound oversight, management and policies."
According to the Democrat and Chronicle, "Brooks' tenure has had its share of scandals, from the airport director who used public funds to pay for cigars and strip club visits to the arrest of trades workers who were paid by the county. The Greater Rochester International Airport's director resigned amid the revelations. A state audit later recommended that Brooks replace the authority board, a suggestion that Brooks dismissed." [Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, 10/16/11]
