In a heated Thurston Board of County Commissioners agenda-setting meeting on September 3, Commissioner Tye Menser motioned to restore Commissioner Emily Clouse to her external committees and commission assignments, sparking debate among board members.
The motion, however, failed to receive a second, stalling any formal discussion.
Menser expressed confusion over the board’s reluctance to reinstate Clouse.
"I’m really confused as to why we wouldn’t restore the commissioner to her assignment at this juncture," Menser stated.
Menser pointed out that a recent report containing “inflammatory allegations” against Clouse had failed to substantiate those claims, leaving him questioning the board's hesitation.
The debate's context stems from ongoing investigations into Commissioner Clouse’s conduct, which have not yet been disclosed to the public.
Commissioner Wayne Fournier emphasized the importance of waiting for the final report before making any decisions, stressing the need to consider the issue through various lenses, including legal, HR, and policy.
"I want the final report and then I’d like to discuss with all of us what the commission’s thoughts are on the findings," Fournier said, adding that it would be premature to act without a comprehensive understanding of the situation.
Commissioner Gary Edwards supported this, framing the issue as one driven by Clouse’s personal choices, which he believes could “potentially harm the county.”
Edwards expressed concern about the financial implications for taxpayers, noting, "We have conflicting information that has come out, even from Commissioner Clouse. So, we don’t know the facts yet."
However, Menser argued that excluding Clouse from her duties was a disservice to the county and its constituents.
"You’re paying someone a salary to not be able to do their job, and how is that protecting taxpayers?" he questioned.
Menser further addressed the board for disregarding the legal advice they had received, asserting that the decision to withhold Clouse from her responsibilities was "unconscionable" given the lack of evidence supporting the allegations against her.
“Once again, this board knows better than our than our legal team,” said Menser.
Fournier responded by emphasizing the need for a deliberate process, citing past incidents as cautionary tales.
Commissioner Carolina Mejia echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the preliminary nature of the information currently available.
She noted that she needed further discussions with the county manager and legal team before making any decisions.
"I’m not ready to move in any direction until there is something that’s a little bit more finalized," Mejia stated.
The debate comes after the board’s removal of Clouse from all board and commission memberships pending an investigation into a complaint against the commissioner.
The exact nature of the complaints or charges against Clouse are not yet publicly disclosed, but Clouse’s lawyer said the investigation concerns a work colleague whom Clouse was previously dating.
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FirstOtter
If I didn't know better, I'd swear that some of the County Commissioners are still members of an elite clique in High School.
Thursday, September 5 Report this
BillString
I don't think they're even mature enough to be in a middle school clique. But then again, if you vote garbage in, all you'll get is garbage out.
Thursday, September 5 Report this
Boatyarddog
Commissioner Menser is correct here.
NO action without substantial evidence is fair.
Otherwise THIS IS HEARSAY!
What are Foriner and Edwards Thinking here.
Those two need to Stop wasting Tax $ and let the Commissioner Do her job.
Sounds like previous Port Commissioners unsubstantiated claims of procedural misconduct, by Ill willed nobodies.
Get the Damn report out and clear the AIR "nobodies"!
Thursday, September 5 Report this
Yeti1981
The only person at fault here for wasting tax payer dollars is Clouse. Any complaints about process and the decisions of the other commissioners around that part of the issue should be redirected at Clouse. It was her decisions that put her here, and her decision making that should be at question for voters in the next election.
Thursday, September 5 Report this
PissAnt
Is Clouse a Trump supporter? Is that why she is being treated like this?
Thursday, September 5 Report this
Boatyarddog
What do You YETI know? Please AIR the Issue.
I don't think you know.
Friday, September 6 Report this
PamelaJHanson
Everyone may want to watch the meeting on YouTube. It is there for a reason. It is the actual record and not a summary. You may be surprised.
Friday, September 6 Report this