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The Syracuse Common Council has voted to place city clerk Patricia McBride on paid administrative leave due to an ongoing investigation into hostile workplace allegations. The decision was made during an executive session on Monday (February 3). The allegations, which have not been disclosed in detail, come from multiple city employees.
Patricia McBride, who became the city clerk in 2022, previously served as deputy clerk under John Copanas starting in 2014. She is the first Black woman to hold the clerk title in Syracuse. McBride has chosen not to comment on the situation, stating she will allow the investigation to proceed.
Brian Driscoll, the deputy city clerk, will manage the day-to-day operations in McBride's absence. The investigation is being conducted by outside counsel to avoid any potential conflicts of interest, as requested by the city's human resources department.
The city clerk's responsibilities include processing legislative requests, preparing meeting agendas, recording and posting meeting minutes, and issuing various licenses. McBride also serves on the Syracuse Housing Authority Board of Commissioners.
The investigation's outcome will determine McBride's future in her role as city clerk.