Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel, right, with Carmelo Hernandez, Director of Community Mental Hygiene Services.

Earlier this month, on Oct. 10, Carmelo Hernandez was included in a Chautauqua County message that offered its support for World Mental Health Day. In the news release, he stated the county is “dedicated to ensuring everyone has the resources and understanding to prioritize their mental health. Together, we can build a future where mental well-being is a universal reality.”

But Hernandez, who serves as commissioner of the Department of Mental Hygiene and Social Services, had a social media posting in July on his personal Facebook account that did not sit well with some county employees, including those he oversees. In recent months, some staff members — who asked to remain anonymous — and other unsigned letters and emails regarding the posting were sent to both The Post-Journal and OBSERVER.

In the post, Hernandez shared a message that “men must begin fighting back against feminism.” It noted that 60% of marriages end in divorce; 80% are initiated by women; and 93% of single women live off welfare. Another portion of the post stated, “Women can literally beat a man then fall under the cover of the court safety net. Zero accountability. … Men must begin fighting back against feminism so our children are instilled with values that bring marriage back to greatness.”

In the letter to the newspapers, which was also sent to some county legislators and Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel, it notes a perceived level of toxicity, fear, intimidation and possible racial discrimination being perpetrated on the writers by their boss. Those documents were never acknowledged publicly by the Legislature.

However, it should be noted these are allegations. The county, by its actions, claims the concerns have no merit.

“Multiple employees have filed formal complaints with the county against Mr. Hernandez for harassment and discrimination,” the unsigned letter said. “These complaints seem to have fallen on deaf ears. The Department of Human Resources has been put on notice by employees fearing retaliation for making a complaint against Mr. Hernandez.”

Hernandez was hired by Wendel on Sept. 7, 2021, to fill the vacancy left by former director Patricia Brinkman. He previously served as a lead therapist at Alssaro Counseling Services in New Rochelle, N.Y. and a mental health consultant at WestCOP in Westchester, N.Y. Prior to that he served as a program manager for Wediko Children’s Services and a combat stress recovery specialist for the Wounded Warrior Project.

“Carmelo has a diverse background in mental health services,” Wendel said in announcing his appointment. “Over the years, he has provided counseling and rehabilitation services to help adults and even veterans overcome their struggles and improve their health and wellness. … I am excited to welcome Carmelo to my team as his leadership and experience will be a great asset to our department of mental hygiene.”

When questioned about the Facebook post, Hernandez explained, “That was an opinion I expressed and it’s been taken down. It was just that, an opinion. There’s a feeling out process which happens when a new person is put in charge, and people are naturally resistant to change.”

County officials, however, dispute the letters submitted to the newspaper. They say the matter has been put to rest.

A call was placed to Wendel’s office requesting comment on this situation and the allegations made against Hernandez. County attorney Patrick Slagle returned the call.

“You are asking about a situation that occurred over three months ago,” he said. “It has been thoroughly investigated and addressed internally. At this time, it is considered closed, and we have no further comment.”

Editor John D’Agostino contributed to this report.