Elmira City Council member Nicholas Grasso, who plans to run for mayor in 2027, has been charged with harassment after a reported incident July 30 at a residence on Euclid Avenue in the city.
Elmira police charged Grasso with second-degree harassment, a violation, after a woman swore out a complaint claiming he grabbed her by the wrist and the back of her neck, and also picked her up and slammed her onto the floor.
Grasso was also charged with driving while intoxicated following an incident in early 2023. He pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of driving with ability impaired June 16 of that year, and was sentenced to a one-year conditional discharge, a 90-day license suspension and $655 in fines and court surcharges.
Grasso, a Democrat, is one of two announced candidates who plan to run for mayor of Elmira in 2027. The other is artist and independent candidate Julian Raven.
Grasso was elected to the Elmira City Council representing the First District in 2019. In July, Grasso announced plans to run for mayor when the term of incumbent Republican Dan Mandell expires next year.
Elmira mayor, city councilmembers respond to charge
Two of Grasso’s city council colleagues, Fourth Ward representative Gary Brinn and Fifth Ward council member Jackie Wilson, both Democrats, are calling for Grasso to step down.
“Mr. Grasso has repeatedly abused his office. On behalf of every victim of domestic violence and every family impacted by an individual driving under the influence, we call on council member Grasso to resign,” Brinn and Wilson said in a joint statement. “Should he refuse to do so, we will pursue his removal through executive action.”
Mandell also issued a statement, saying that while he can’t comment on the facts or presume the outcome of the case, he and other city officials take this matter seriously.
“As mayor, I have a responsibility to acknowledge the seriousness of these allegations while also respecting council member Grasso’s right to due process,” Mandell said. “At the same time, members of the Elmira City Council are elected to serve the people of this city, and that office carries with it an obligation to conduct ourselves with the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and respect for others.”
Mandell said the city will follow the law and advice provided by corporation counsel regarding Grasso’s ability to participate in city business.
Grasso could not be reached for comment. He is scheduled to appear in City of Elmira Court to answer the harassment charge at 9 a.m. Aug. 21.
This article originally appeared on Elmira Star-Gazette: Elmira Councilmember Nick Grasso charged with harassment. City responds
Reporting by Jeff Murray, Elmira Star-Gazette / Elmira Star-Gazette
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Jeff Murray, Elmira Star-Gazette | USA TODAY Network
