Monroe County’s legal department issued a six-page statement Thursday in response to an independent contractor accusing County Commissioner Amanda Barge of sexual harassment.
Brandon Drake told the Indiana Daily Student that Barge repeatedly came on to him and shut him out professionally when he refused to date her. He provided the newspaper with copies of emails, text messages and recorded conversations between the two.
Barge denies the allegations, but suspended her campaign for Bloomington mayor.
The county’s response to the reports doesn’t address the allegations. Instead, it details Drake’s work with the county.
According to the statement, the Monroe County Health Department received a $25,000 state grant to pilot an overdose response project from January through August 2018. The county entered into an agreement with Drake, who would serve as the Treatment Navigator.
The statement then details several instances where the county says Drake didn’t attend meetings required under his contract, respond to certain emails, or deliver work required as part of the agreement.
Aside from mentioning meetings and communications that both Drake and Barge were involved in, the statement does not detail any of their interactions.
But it makes clear the county commissioners were among the entities Drake reported to.
Barge has said she has no plans to resign as a county commissioner.
We've reached out to Drake for comment.
Pathways Public Statement by Indiana Public Media News on Scribd
