Homewood Director Resigns After Hot Mic Swearing

HOMEWOOD, IL — Economic and Community Development Director for the Village of Homewood, Angela Mesaros, resigned from the position Tuesday, according to a news release. Her resignation comes after a hot mic on a Zoom broadcast captured her using derogatory language to describe members of the public who attended Planning and Zoning Commission meetings to determine the fate of the former Calumet Country Club.

Mesaros submitted her resignation to Village Manager Jim Marino, who accepted it, effective immediately.

Marino issued the following statement, according to the release:

Ms. Mesaros’ decision to resign followed a full investigation into comments she made during a sound check before the start of the planning and zoning commission public hearing on February 25, 2021.

Village policy prohibits the use of threatening language, regardless of intent or context. Ms. Mesaros stated that her comments were not made with malice or intent, however, she recognizes that they were inappropriate and not what is expected from village employees. Comments attributed to Assistant Village Manager Napoleon Haney have been misstated in the press and on social media, but dealt with accordingly. Ms. Mesaros expressed sincere regret and remorse for her comments, as have the other employees.

In Ms. Mesaros we lose a valued employee and champion for our business community. She was instrumental in retaining and attracting businesses to our community. Many of the businesses and restaurants residents enjoy and patronize are the result of Angela’s commitment to her profession and efforts to better our community. Several members of the business community have contacted my offices, as well as other those of village officials, to voice their appreciation and support for Ms. Mesaros.

Ms. Mesaros is well liked by village staff, officials and colleagues. It’s been a privilege to work with her and she will be missed. We are confident that with her skills and talent, Ms. Mesaros will be promptly recruited by another organization.

Ms. Mesaros’ inappropriate comments can be attributed to tumultuous and protracted meetings of the planning and zoning commission in which the commission is considering a request by a developer to rezone the former Calumet Country Club property. Unfortunately, some individuals attending the meeting have not exhibited the same respect and standards of professionalism they are demanding.

While village staff is being held accountable for their improper conduct, some attending the meetings have acted with contempt for the legally-required rezoning process, disdain and disrespect toward village officials, refusal to follow public meeting protocol and decorum without apology or consequences. While this behavior represents a small group of individuals within the whole, it remains inappropriate, unwarranted and serves as a poor reflection of our community.

In the recorded Zoom broadcast, just before the meeting was called to order, Mesaros appears to be heard referring to protesters — mainly members of the South Suburbs for Greenspace Over Concrete (SSGOC) — at the previously held meeting as "a**holes," adding that she is "really good at inciting violence in other people."

Mesaros also appeared to tell other village officials that "if this (the desk) wasn't here, if this wasn't blocking me between those a**holes in the audience last time," she may have been "able to take some of them on."

Mesaros was also heard laughing, implying that Village Attorney Christopher Cummings would have turned a gun on the crowd of attendees last week if he had one, saying, "That's why I don't own a gun. Chris (Cummings) should not have one either."

Mesaros issued an apology on Friday, saying she takes full responsibility and is "deeply ashamed" of the comments she made.

"I have said words that were thoughtless and unkind towards members of this community. My actions showed disrespect for our residents whose voices need to be heard. My job is to help this community," Mesaros said. "I understand that I have let down our residents as well as our leaders. Any reference to violence or the use of a gun is never appropriate, and it does not reflect my love for this community I call home."

Mesaros went on to say, "As a Homewood resident, I want what is best for our community. I let my frustration with the lengthy and challenging hearing process get the best of me. For that, I am very sorry."

The commissioners are being asked to rezone property located at the northwest area of 175th Street and Dixie Highway. After the commission makes a recommendation on what to do with the property, the matter will make its way to the village board for a vote on whether to allow the possible construction of an industrial space.

Related:

Homewood Director Apologizes After Hot Mic Swearing | Homewood, IL Patch

Homewood Residents Want Director To Resign After Hot Mic Swearing | Homewood, IL Patch