To the editor:
After multiple, credible allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced in March against Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill, both Republicans and Democrats called for him to resign.
Four women, including state representative Maria Calderon Reardon (D-12) and three legislative staff members, say that Hill touched them inappropriately at an Indianapolis bar where legislators and staff were celebrating the end of the legislative session. Reardon says Hill touched her back and then grabbed her buttocks. She told him to “back off.” He then moved on to assault other women in the crowd.
Hill has not offered any alternative account of his behavior on the night in question. Instead, at a televised press conference, Hill proclaimed that he “wanted his name back” and would fight for it. He is now running paid Facebook and Google ads targeting his accusers and defamation suits have been threatened against his victims.
This is not a partisan battle. The Governor of Indiana, a member of Hill’s own party, called for his resignation, along with the leadership of both parties in the House and the Senate. They hired a local law firm to conduct an independent investigation.
Now the Indiana inspector general has begun an investigation, a special prosecutor has been named to investigate, and three state representatives are talking about filing letters of impeachment, which will require another investigation.
What about these victims’ due process? There are no facts in contention. Instead of more investigations, it’s time for a public conversation. Most of the GOP lawmakers have kept quiet, including our own Rep. Woody Burton (R-58) and Sen. Greg Walker (R-41).
To make progress and to protect future victims, our representatives need to weigh in on whether Hill should resign and how we can protect future victims.
Hill’s office website says the Indiana attorney general helps protect the rights, freedoms and safety you enjoy as a citizen of the Hoosier state. He cannot perform the duties of his office under this cloud and legislators should push him to resign.
Margaret McGovern
Greenwood
