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Dear Editor:
When it came to my attention via the news that Chris Pauley was claiming to be sexually harassed by Carmel’s Mayor, I took pause because as her neighbor for the better part of seven years, I know Chris Pauley and specifically this accusation to be false based on her direct communication with me.
Shortly before 4:58 p.m. on June 21, 2016, Chris Pauley herself informed me that she was dating Mayor Brainard. Very defensively I asked her if she was aware that he was a married man. She replied, “They are separated.”
Photo provided by Nancy Heck, City of Carmel
I was very upset upon hearing the impending divorce news and immediately messaged a longtime mutual friend of the Brainards for clarification. This friend said it was true, and the Brainards were keeping it quiet until after their son’s wedding.
During the time we lived in the same neighborhood, Chris Pauley would be very open when bragging about the men she dated – judges, lawyers, doctors and prominent businessmen. I had no reason to not believe her when she claimed to be dating Mayor Brainard, as I saw them in public often, and when Mayor Brainard came to Chris’s home on more than one occasion.
Being part of a neighborhood that is known to be an inclusive social group, Chris Pauley and I chatted often enough outside within groups, and she even attended neighborhood Christmas and Halloween parties at my home over the years.
Chris Pauley’s reputation in our neighborhood is not a positive one. Some call her Chris “Cray Cray” Pauley, others just simply enjoy her company because of her outrageous dating tales, yet keep her at a distance.
I am coming forward in the interest of the City of Carmel, in defense of an innocent man, and last but not least for all, the women who really have endured sexual harassment in the workplace.
Sincerely,
Amy Stacey
Formerly of Carmel
Thank you Amy for speaking up.
What sounds “cray cray” is that Ms. Stacey claims to know the exact minute that Ms. Pauley told her she was dating the Mayor. Who can do that? And if they were dating in June of 2016, why isn’t she going on these trips that he keeps throwing at her. She says she had dreams of going to Rome and here’s her chance to go to Rome in luxury and no cost to her with a guy she’s dating…what could be better than that? Why is her answer such a curt, “No!” And why would his response be to a woman he was dating, “Got it. Won’t ask again.” Why wouldn’t he ask the woman he was dating to go away with him again? Same question as to why someone who loves going out into nature not want to accompany the guy they are dating to a secluded cabin in the woods to spend time by the fire?
Why isn’t the Mayor addressing any of these points? Why is he sending Nancy Heck and Dan McFeeley to talk to the press. When I was dating my wife we emailed and texted a lot. Confirming dates, discussing where we were going to go, saying hello, etc… The Mayor claims they were dating, where’s the emails? Where’s the Mayor answering questions and follow ups to reporters on tape or on the radio?