During a public comment session at the Thurston Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) meeting on Tuesday, residents voiced frustration over the ongoing investigation into Commissioner Emily Clouse, who has been barred from full duties since August amid workplace misconduct allegations.
Several community members called for the immediate release of the final investigative report.
“I believe Commissioner Clouse has been forthcoming and has cooperated fully with the process. A final investigative report exists. The report should be released immediately,” said resident Kathy Kravitz Smith.
“Should there be no criminal behavior? I believe Commissioner Clouse has been subjected to enough review process and scrutiny,” she added.
Former Commissioner Dave Toler criticized the treatment of Clouse, calling it unfair and discriminatory.
“We have a woman commissioner who has allegations—unproven allegations—and is persecuted and punished before investigations [are] even done. That’s what we call a culture of misogyny,” Toler said.
Another local resident, Leslie Cushman, raised concerns about the integrity of the investigation process and asserted that Clouse's restrictions were a form of retaliation.
“At this point, I doubt that the current investigation and process and status imposed on Commissioner Clouse continue in good faith. My perspective is, however it started — now, the purpose is silencing her, intimidation and retaliation,” Cushman said.
Cushman also urged the board to restore Clouse’s full authority and implement more transparent processes.
“There’s serious work to be done by elected officials. She adds diversity to this commission, and it’s much needed. Please bring this to a close, reinstate her full authority, and put measurable, transparent policies in place so the public can analyze and evaluate your accountability,” Cushman reiterated.
Cushman alleged that the purpose is now "silencing her, intimidation and retaliation," which she believes has a "chilling effect on anyone wanting to seek public office in Thurston County."
Kent Markley, a West Olympia resident who questioned whether the process was being delayed to punish Clouse, raised concerns about the investigation’s pace.
Markley also urged the board to reinstate her and close the investigation if no findings had been made.
Others warned that the investigation could deter future public service.
“This has a chilling effect on anyone wanting to seek public office in Thurston County,” Cushman said. “It has been a serious event that has paused people to consider: how could a public process come out this way?”
Thurston County has yet to release an update about the investigation on Clouse.
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BobB
The county is being sued for at least $750,000 for sexual harassment and retaliation. Commissioner Clouse can ask to be made a party to this lawsuit so she can get a judicial determination of the facts from a judge or jury. I doubt she will do so nor will she resign her position that pays $147,936 per year. If any of the men on the BoCC were accused of this, there would (rightfully) be calls for their resignation. Commissioner Clouse says through her attorney that the relationship was consensual. Maybe it was, until it wasn't. Either way, the taxpayers are going to be on the hook for this.
Friday, December 6, 2024 Report this
OlyBlues
What these Clouse supporters fail to understand is that her poor decisions and workplace conduct is now the subject of a $750K claim against the county which very well may turn into a lawsuit and cost the county even more. Do they want to open their checkbooks and pay this? As a taxpayer and county resident, I appreciate the other Commissioners exercising sound judgement and placing Clouse on restriction from committee work. Quality investigations take time and this is no different. So she is not allowed to vote on committees she sits on temporarily. Small price to pay for her behavior. The prima facia evidence against Clouse is not favorable to the county from a liability standpoint, and taxpayers are the ones that will ultimately pay for any unlawful conduct which appears highly likely.
Friday, December 6, 2024 Report this
bonaro
Clouse has engaged in conduct unbecoming and blurred the "appearance of inpropriety"
Does that phrase sound familiar, BOCC? It should because that is the standard to which you hold the rest of your employees.
Do not play the liberal bullshit "culture of misogyny" card because no one believes it true...it is a excuse. If Clopuse were a man he would be hammered.
Clouse should be the focus of an immediate recall.
Friday, December 6, 2024 Report this
JulesJames
Does the Thurston County Code have a "Mulligan" provision for newly-electeds? If not, its pretty clear Ms. Clouse did unfairly put a Thurston County employee's job at risk by tryst. It is equally clear using the "consensual" excuse is grossly insulting to the past 50 years of progress on workplace sexual harassment. Voluntary resignation is the appropriate outcome, but Ms. Clouse seems to continue with a very deviated sense of "appropriate."
Friday, December 6, 2024 Report this
WA_Mojo
Here are the sordid details.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14166027/Glamorous-female-lawmaker-bullied-male-aide-***-run-errands.html
Saturday, December 7, 2024 Report this
peterpumpkinhead
The BOCC has had to spend time on this nonsense that would have been better spent on actual county issues, because these two supposed adults can’t manage their personal lives. This event shows that Clouse may not be the best person for the job.
Saturday, December 7, 2024 Report this
Boatyarddog
Well Naysayers!
Looks like the Report States NO IMPROPER Actions were taken by Clouse, FINAL report!!!
THAT IS the End of It.
Reinstate Her!!!
Lets get Back to Running THE Damn County.
Saturday, December 7, 2024 Report this
HappyOlympian
I like to think Greeners hold ourselves to a higher standard of behavior, and when we willfully choose to toss our values aside for base motives, it is the worst of the worst, no excuse. Also, report indicates she lied to the HR department during the investigation, and anywhere else in the world that means termination. Show a shred of honor and respect for our belief system and resign.
Sunday, December 8, 2024 Report this