FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 5, 2019                             Contact: Kim Porteous, President 

          Florida National Organization for Women                                President@FLNOW.org, 706-669-8192

FLORIDA NOW CALLS FOR ETHICS INVESTIGATION INTO

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER JIMMY PATRONIS

 Statement by Florida NOW President Kim Porteous

Florida's Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Petronis has abused his power to benefit himself at the expense of victims of sexual harassment by releasing private, confidential information about them.  Patronis is another sad example of how some Florida leaders are failing women.

Patronis’ apparent purpose in releasing the information was to remove a political adversary from office. Patronis has not only broken public trust, he very likely broke the law by releasing the confidential information for his personal benefit.

Patronis’ use of women as political pawns is reprehensible and inflicts further damage on the women. How many times must a victim be harmed by sexual harassment?

Patronis is directly supporting the silencing of victims, primarily women, in keeping them from reporting sexual harassment allegations. His is exactly the type of action that creates an unsafe environment for women to come forward. 

Sexual harassment is a real threat to women and girls. It is not something to be used as a political game. It has long lasting effects on women and victims.

Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis must apologize for the harmful misuse of his power. We expect better leadership from all Florida Cabinet members and elected officials. 

Florida NOW calls for an ethics investigation into Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis for releasing women’s personal information in possible violation of state law.  

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