Hoosier Enquirer President Calls for Resignation of Mayor Hogsett and Council President Osili Amid Sexual Harassment Scandal

Photo Credit Jenna Watson from Mirror Indy

Indianapolis, IN – In a bold statement issued earlier today, Bob Kern, President of Hoosier Enquirer, has demanded the immediate resignation of Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett and City-County Council President Vop Osili. The call comes in the wake of mounting allegations and public outcry over the handling of sexual harassment claims within the city's administration, particularly involving former top aide Thomas Cook.

Kern's statement underscores a critical stance on leadership accountability, stating, “Our community deserves leaders who lead by example, uphold the highest moral standards, and prioritize the safety and well-being of all residents. Women must feel protected and supported when reporting sexual harassment, whether in the workplace or elsewhere.” He further emphasized the broader impact of such issues, noting, “This must change now. I stand with the victims who are courageously fighting against the injustices within the Hogsett administration and the City-County Council, where allegations are too often swept under the rug.”

The controversy centers around Thomas Cook, who served as Mayor Hogsett's chief of staff and was accused by multiple women of sexual harassment and predatory behavior over a span of years. Despite being reprimanded multiple times and resigning in 2020, Cook was rehired for Hogsett's 2023 mayoral campaign before being terminated again following renewed allegations. This pattern of behavior and the administration's response have sparked significant public and political backlash.

Kern's demand for resignation is not isolated but part of a larger narrative of dissatisfaction with the current leadership's approach to workplace safety and justice. An independent committee recently found the City-County Council to be “legally compliant” in handling harassment complaints, yet the public perception remains that more needs to be done to ensure a safe and just environment for all city employees and residents.

Adding to the pressure, Kern has also called on Indiana State Attorney Todd Rokita to launch an immediate investigation into both Hogsett and Osili to ensure transparency and accountability. “No justice, no peace,” Kern declared, urging the community to stand together in demanding change.

The situation has reignited discussions on the systemic challenges within Indianapolis's political landscape, particularly concerning the protection of victims and the enforcement of accountability among elected officials. As the city grapples with these allegations, the call for resignation from Hoosier Enquirer represents a significant escalation in the demand for reform and a shift in leadership.

Mayor Hogsett and Council President Osili have yet to respond directly to Kern's statement, but the political climate suggests that the coming days will be critical in determining the future direction of Indianapolis's governance. The Hoosier Enquirer’s stance reflects a growing sentiment among constituents that the time for action is now, and that the city's leaders must be held to the highest standards of integrity and responsibility.

As the story unfolds, the eyes of Indianapolis and beyond will be on how these allegations are addressed, and whether the calls for resignation will lead to a broader reckoning within the city's political establishment. For now, the message from Hoosier Enquirer is clear: the community demands justice, accountability, and a new chapter in leadership.