County lawmakers privately briefed on Dr. Mendoza’s resignation

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — Monroe County lawmakers have been briefed on the resignation of Dr. Michael Mendoza from his position as the Commissioner of Public Health.

The meeting occurred on Thursday and News 8 was told this was an attorney-client, confidential briefing. According to County Legislator Rachel Barnhart, those who participated in the briefing were required to sign an agreement that prevents them from sharing information about Dr. Mendoza’s resignation. Barnhart added one legislator refused to sign the agreement and left.

After Dr. Mendoza announced he was stepping down from the position, he had to sign a non-disclosure agreement preventing him and the county from disclosing the circumstances behind the resignation. This also prevents an investigation into Mendoza.

Republican Conference Spokesman Reilly O’Brien provided this statement to News 8 about the briefing:

“The Republican Conference is satisfied with the briefing received from the Administration and looks forward to thoroughly reviewing the next potential Commissioner of Public Health in the near future,” O’Brien said.

According to the NDA signed by Dr. Mendoza, he voluntarily resigned from his position on March 19 and was paid for the rest of the month and unused vacation time. Dr. Marielena Velez de Brown is the acting commissioner after Mendoza resigned.

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