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Irvington Council Asks Mayor Hogsett to Skip Halloween Festival Out of Respect for Survivors

Citing the city's handling of harassment allegations involving ex-aide Thomas Cook, the neighborhood council said survivors in Irvington are uncomfortable with the mayor's presence.

Overview

  • In an October 22 letter, the Irvington Community Council formally asked Mayor Joe Hogsett to refrain from attending the 79th Historic Irvington Halloween Festival.
  • Council leaders said they sought a private answer from the mayor’s communications director about his plans but received no commitment on whether he would attend.
  • The request references reports that at least three women accused former chief of staff and deputy mayor Thomas Cook of repeated sexual harassment while in the mayor’s office.
  • An outside law firm concluded the city’s response met legal requirements but urged sweeping changes to policies and oversight structures.
  • Coverage by IndyStar and Mirror Indy confirmed a romantic relationship between Cook and then-development director Scarlett Andrews, and at least five City-County Councilors have since called for Hogsett’s resignation.