Ethics Complaint Filed Against State Senator Mimi Stewart

KOB4 ^

[nickcarraway]

The New Mexico Senate President Pro Tempore is facing potential sanctions after someone filed a complaint, accusing her of harassment.

In late-February, a legislative council service staff member said she emailed state Sen. Mimi Stewart regarding a form she hadn’t received for Stewart’s capital outlay funding requests.

“In response, the reporting party stated that she almost immediately received what she deemed a screaming email in all capital letters from senator Stewart saying that senator Stewart had in fact turned the sheet in on Wednesday,’” said Lorna Wiggins, special counsel to the Investigative Subcommittee.

It reportedly didn’t end there.

“Moments later, the reporting party stated she received a call from senator Stewart screaming at her, using what she deemed pejorative language, including calling her stupid for not knowing that the sheet had already been turned in,” Wiggins said.

That employee said the verbal attack left her rattled and unable to sleep. She called in sick the next day.

Stewart isn’t disputing the claims but an attorney representing her argued it doesn’t rise to the level of harassment.

“It was an unfortunate interaction. Senator Stewart, in a high stress moment, lost her cool,” said Ray Vargas, Stewart’s attorney.

Vargas said Stewart apologized to the employee and said she is seeing a counselor to ensure she reflects kindness to others. He also argued a decision recommending sanctions against Stewart would negatively impact the Legislature.

“Because if senator Stewart’s conduct on February 27 amounts to a violation of the anti-harassment policy, then the interactions between legislators and staff will not be amicable or productive because everyone in the Roundhouse will be walking on eggshells,” Vargas said.

After arguments were heard, the interim Legislative Ethics Hearing Subcommittee members went into a closed session to make their decision.

They say a formal written order will be issued in the near future.

[awelliott]

“Because if senator Stewart’s conduct on February 27 amounts to a violation of the anti-harassment policy, then the interactions between legislators and staff will not be amicable or productive because everyone in the Roundhouse will be walking on eggshells,” Vargas said.

You mean that politicians will have to treat staff with dignity and respect? Oh the humanity! /i

[Cowgirl of Justice]

“...and said she is seeing a counselor to ensure she reflects kindness to others.”

Oh, for Pete’s sake.

[If You Want It Fixed - Fix It]

Thanks to women, if it offends her, it is clear illegal harassment, regardless of reasonable thoughts of third party reviewing.

She is guilty. Now for sentencing.....

[Robert A Cook PE]

Middle-aged NM democrat party liner = White racist Karen uber-class fanatic

[Mastador1]

So her lawyer said go get counseling to nip this in the bud, so you can say all better now.