The Thurston County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) discussed the ongoing accountability measures and next steps following Commissioner Emily Clouse's reinstatement.
Commissioner Wayne Fournier initiated the discussion at a BoCC meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 7, emphasizing the intent of a previously passed resolution.
"I don’t want to start the year off talking about an issue I want to leave in 2024," Fournier said. "But I want to make sure the county understands the intent of the resolution that was passed by the commission."
Fournier highlighted key aspects of the resolution, including the need for guardrails on supervisory roles and hiring practices.
“I'm not trying to be presumptive or accusatory or anything like that,” Fournier clarified. “It’s just when something's happened, you put things in place to make sure they don't happen again.”
Clouse responded by outlining steps she has undertaken to address the resolution’s accountability recommendations.
“I'm taking measures to work on some of the things that were recommended in the resolution,” Clouse said.
Clouse detailed her enrollment in several training programs, including harassment, discrimination, retaliation prevention, emotional intelligence and managing challenging conversations.
Clouse also shared plans to involve a hiring panel in selecting a new executive assistant.
Commissioner Tye Menser acknowledged Clouse’s initiative, but stressed the importance of a thorough hiring process.
"Rebuilding internal trust is essential," Menser said. "Using a hiring panel, even if not required, makes a lot of sense in this case."
Budgetary considerations were also raised during the meeting. Commissioner Carolina Mejia expressed concerns about funding.
"For me, it’s where the payment is going to come from," Mejia said. "I’d like to take a pause and get more information from HR (Human Resources) and the county manager before moving forward."
On Dec. 6, 2024, the board announced that an independent investigation had found Clouse violating ethics policies, including misuse of public resources and deceptive behavior.
Clouse regretted her relationship with a county employee and said she’s committed to moving forward.
In a public censure on Dec. 11, 2024, the board formally rebuked Clouse for her conduct but voted to reinstate her to regional roles, ending her suspension.
Clouse abstained from voting on the censure and criticized the board’s conclusions, calling for a fairer assessment of her actions.
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bonaro
What we really need is a recall election.
Clouse is emotionally and morally unqualified for this position.
Thursday, January 9 Report this
OlyBlues
Clouse needs to do the right thing and resign. How can she represent county employees who would have been fired for the same conduct she engaged in. Now the county must pay a $300K settlement for her behavior. Enough is enough. She's not competent to be running the county.
Thursday, January 9 Report this
JulesJames
Ms Clouse is costing Thurston County far more time, money and credibility than she is worth. Her political career is already over, so why is she drawing out the end? Resign. Recall. Please get gone so Thurston County can get back to building a better county.
Thursday, January 9 Report this
jimlazar
I don't elect County Commissioners to be altar-boys or choir-leaders. I elect them to make sure the parks are safe and well maintained, to make sure the Chehalis-Western Trail is save and well-maintained, and to provide countywide health services.
There is no evidence that Commissioner Clouse has been shirking her duties. In fact, she is usually one of only two Commissioners who has read the packet carefully before the meeting, and arrives at a meeting ready to do her job. I hope that will be more now that it's a new year and we have another seat that has changed.
I don't think the attacks on Commissioner Clouse are justified.
Thursday, January 9 Report this