Cleveland City Council Member Joe Jones on Thursday said he felt a “deep sense of remorse” for behavior that a council memo described as a likely violation of workplace policies.
Jones did not address the specifics of the complaints filed against him, which led council to hire the law firm McDonald Hopkins to investigate. But he said his behavior was “unintended” and that he would take part in sensitivity and professional conduct training – one recommendation of the McDonald Hopkins report.
“The last few weeks have been very challenging for me personally and professionally,” Jones’ statement read. “Although unintended, I recognize that my actions have made others feel uncomfortable, and I sincerely apologize. I’ve learned a lot about myself and I feel a deep sense of remorse. The fact that these allegations have clouded my service to the community and my residents is heartbreaking. Serving my constituents every day is a privilege, and my top priority remains serving the residents of Ward 1 and enhancing the quality of life for every citizen of Cleveland.”
Council hired the law firm to investigate complaints that Jones yelled at an employee, mistreated staff and made unwelcome comments to an artist about her physical appearance at a meeting.
Council has not released the full investigation, but did circulate a memo this week that said Jones “likely violated” workplace policies through a “pattern of inappropriate and unprofessional behavior.”
McDonald Hopkins interviewed five complainants and found them to be credible, a memo released by council this week said. Jones did not sit for an interview with the law firm but made a “blanket denial” of the allegations.
Jones’ apology statement was first reported by The Real Deal Press.
Reached by phone Thursday afternoon, Jones said that his apology spoke for itself. He declined to speak directly to the particular complaints.
“We’re just going to move from here, from this space,” he said.
