The controversy and political firestorm over COMIDA and the I-Square project in Irondequoit has now claimed the job of a top Monroe County official.
On Thursday evening, Monroe County Executive Cheryl Dinolfo announced that at her request, Assistant County Executive Justin Roj submitted his resignation.
The action comes after Dinolfo addressed the media on Monday and said that Roj had told the Chair of COMIDA, Theresa Mazzullo, to contact the attorney for that economic development agency, follow their advice and respond to media inquiries.
In her statement on Thursday, Dinolfo said she has since come to learn the information she relied upon was not true, and she found out that it was actually Roj who had contacted the counsel for COMIDA.
Dinolfo also apologized to Mazzullo and the COMIDA staff.
The controversy began March 18th, when County Republican Chairman Bill Reilich said the I-Square development was struggling financially, as he made comments critical of Town Supervisor Adam Bello who had just been appointed County Clerk. An attorney for COMIDA said that after a Sunday night visit the I-Square project had not met a required construction milestone.
The owners of the project, Mike and Wendy Nolan denied their project was in trouble, and disputed the finding and questioned why COMIDA had not previously notified them of any problems.
Also on Thursday, Monroe County District Attorney Sandra Doorley said her office is making an informal inquiry into the handling of the entire situation.
Here's the full statement issued Thursday night by Dinolfo:
"This past Monday, I addressed the media regarding COMIDA and I-Square. I stated that Assistant County Executive Justin Roj had told COMIDA Chair Theresa Mazzullo to contact counsel, follow their advice and respond to the media inquires.
I reported that information with confidence in its accuracy. I have since come to learn that the information I relied upon was untrue. I have learned that, in fact, it was Mr. Roj who, on Sunday, contacted COMIDA counsel.
COMIDA Chair Theresa Mazzullo, the Board members and staff work diligently in our community. I must apologize to Ms. Mazzullo, the Board and its staff.
Today, at my request, Justin Roj submitted his resignation."
