By Jill Colvin and Carla Zanoni
DNAinfo Reporter/Producers
MUNICIPAL DISTRICT — Dozens of Manhattanites turned out Wednesday to show their support for City Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez before a closed hearing by the Standards and Ethics Committee into allegations that he aggressively “touched” a staffer.
About 75 constituents, relatives, staffers and colleagues from Inwood and Washington Heights packed into the hearing room at 250 Broadway before the hearing began. Many stuck strips of white tape over their mouths to symbolize that they had been denied the chance to speak.
As expected, after the hearing was officially called into session, a motion was made to have it closed, despite an injunction sought on Rodriguez's behalf to hold it in public so supporters could speak.
"All of us would have liked that very much so we can express our support," said Mireya Rodriguez, 48, from Inwood, who said she has no doubts that Rodriguez is innocent of the charges.
The Ethics Committee is investigating allegations that Rodriguez "acted inappropriately with a council staff member" during a City Council budget meeting held on June 25.
Rodriguez has denied touching the unidentified Council staff member and has accused the Council Ethics Committee of leaking information about the complaint.
Before the hearing began, Rodriguez seemed calm, but concerned. He refused to comment on the incident in respect of committee rules as he sat surrounded by empty chairs after his supporters filed out of the room.
State Assemblyman Adriano Espaillat, who came to show his support, said he stands by Rodriguez.
"He's a gentleman," Espaillat said. "All I know is that the community is here. It's represented today. And I think that speaks for itself."
His sister, Ada Rodriguez, 48, who lives in Washington Heights, described her brother as a doting father to his 3-year-old daughter and said she has no doubts that her brother's name will be cleared.
"I know he's innocent. Everybody knows," she said. "He's not worried about nothing."
Rodriguez's hearing was originally slated for July 28, but was postponed at the request of a council member who had a scheduling conflict.
Community members have repeatedly gathered in defense of the Councilman in addition to a bevy of community leaders who have called on the Council to dismiss the charges since the allegations were made public.
