ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) — A comprehensive, independent review of how cases of sexual assault are handled by the Tompkins County District Attorney’s office has been approved.

Legislators agreed Tuesday, Oct. 20 to spend $200,000 on the external review. The resolution was introduced by Legislator Irene Weiser, who noted in her remarks strong public feelings about the Jane Doe case at Cornell University.

“The news over the past few weeks has been deeply painful both individually and for the community,” Weiser said. “For many people, it’s not an abstract policy debate. It touches something very personal,” Weiser added.

Shortly before a vote was held, Tompkins County DA Matt Van Houten was given a chance to share his thoughts.

“I’m 100% in favor of transparency and am in favor of whatever’s it called, whether it’s an audit or a review, “Van Houten said, referencing an earlier exchange between legislators over language in the resolution.

Weiser’s resolution passed 14-2.

FULL INTERVIEW: Tompkins County Legislator Irene Weiser