Glen Cove Mayor Tim Tenke Responds To Workplace Harassment Claims

GLEN COVE, NY — The mayor of Glen Cove fired back at reported accusations that he has cultivated a culture of harassment towards women. Two senior city officials told News 12 Mayor Tim Tenke used them as scapegoats to cover up his own administration's shortcomings. The women, who were not named in the report, said they felt bullied, threatened and humiliated.

On Thursday, Tenke, a Democrat who is seeking re-election in the fall, told Patch in an emailed statement that the accusations came from a "known Republican political operative" and aide for his opponent.

There are official channels the women could have filed a workplace harassment claim, Tenke said, but so far, no such claims have been filed with the city.

"This complaint exists solely in the political press release," Tenke said. "With the absence of an official claim, and a press release from a known Republican operative, the preponderance of evidence suggests this is nothing more than a political attack, and an attempt to tarnish my good name a mere month away from the general election."

Tenke told News 12 he has always treated the employees in question with "fairness and respect," and is confident he will be vindicated.

Tenke faces former Mayor Reggie Spinello in the Nov. 5 election. In 2017, Tenke defeated Spinello by just three votes.

Patch has reached out to Spinello's campaign via Facebook and will update when we hear back.