However, Townsend emphasized that she wants to “focus in creating a permanent structure and a standard procedure where every member knows exactly what will happen should they choose to engage in this type of behavior.”
Multiple sexual harassment allegations against State Rep. Shooter
Last week, Arizona State House Speaker J.D. Mesnard launched multiple investigations of sexual harassment at the Legislature. The move came after Representatives Ugenti-Rita, Townsend, and others made their claims in public. Mesnard formed a bipartisan team of investigators to review all allegations.
Rep. Ugenti-Rita alleged that Rep. Don Shooter, the chairman of the House Appropriations Committee has been sexually harassing her for years. Severn other women accused Shooter of inappropriate sexual remarks to unwanted touching.
In response to the allegations, Mesnard suspended Shooter as chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. He also approved the recommendation of the investigative team to hire outside investigators.
