By Howard Packowitz and Illinois Radio Network
SPRINGFIELD – The top aide to Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan has resigned amid sexual harassment allegations. Tim Mapes was Madigan’s chief of staff, the House Clerk, and executive director of the state’s Democratic party.
The resignation comes after state employee and Springfield resident Sherri Garrett, who carries the Speaker’s gavel to the podium before each daily session, made allegations against Mapes at a Chicago news conference. She said Mapes made inappropriate comments of a sexual nature toward her and others on several occasions.
“We want to do our jobs with dignity and we want to go home at the end of our day,” Garrett said, “But instead we have a culture of sexism, harassment and bullying that creates an incredibly difficult work environment.”
House Minority Leader Jim Durkin told Sam Wood on the WJBC Afternoon Report Wednesday that the allegations are disappointing, and Mapes’ speedy resignation was the right decision.
“We have to do a better job of ensuring that no one should ever fear for their job or have to withstand any type of abusive environment,” said Durkin.
“That to me is not tolerable.”
Madigan’s office put out a news release stating Mapes’ resignation was made at the speaker’s directive.
Howard Packowitz can be reached at howard.packowitz@cumulus.com
