The City of Rochester has initiated formal ethics investigations into two School Board members following the receipt of separate complaints on April 25, 2025. Read here.
According to a Sufficiency Review Panel, comprised of Mayor Paul Callaghan, Police Chief Gary Boudreau, and City Attorney Terence O’Rourke, the complaints met the criteria for a formal investigation.
On Tuesday, May 6, 2025, the Board of Ethics convened in Council Chambers at City Hall. The meeting was broadcast live on cable and made available via livestream and video on demand. Watch here.
The Board of Ethics includes members appointed by the chairpersons of the City Council, School Board, and Police Commission. Current members include Dan Fitzpatrick (City Council), Sarah Harrington (School Board), and John Larochelle (Police Commission) as required by ordinance
Fitzpatrick was appointed chair following a nomination by Larochelle, which was seconded by Harrington. Additionally, Larochelle moved, and the Board approved, to follow Robert’s Rules of Order.
City Manager Katie Ambrose explained the process as outlined in the Code of Ethics and Conduct for Elected and Appointed Officials, stating that the Board must now elect a chair and appoint an Ethics Investigation Officer (EIO). Once appointed, the EIO is expected to conduct an investigation and submit a report within 45 days, after which a public hearing will be held.
Ambrose nominated Assistant City Attorney Andrew Kroeckel to serve as EIO, stating, “Attorney Kroeckel joined the City’s legal department last fall and brings a wealth of experience with his accomplished law career.”
Kroeckel previously served as a prosecutor with the Criminal Bureau of the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office. He has also served as the Assistant District Attorney for the Monroe County District Attorney’s office in Pennsylvania, owned his own practice, and served as a judicial law clerk.
“His interviewing skills are particularly enhanced given his years of experience working as a reporter before he commenced practicing law,” said Ambrose.
Ambrose also recommended former Rochester Police Chief and current Compliance Officer Paul Toussaint to assist Kroeckel with the investigation.
With the committee organized and both a chairperson and EIO selected, Fitzpatrick adjourned the meeting.