Commissioner Emily Clouse faced a public censure on Wednesday, Dec. 11, after the Thurston County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) found she had engaged in “deliberate, deceptive behavior.”
The board also voted to reinstate Clouse to her regional roles following a suspension.
The censure resulted from an independent investigation by Robin L. Nielsen, a Seattle workplace investigator hired by the county. Nielsen evaluated legal liability using a “more likely than not” standard while examining Clouse’s actions involving her former executive aide.
While the report dismissed claims of harassment and retaliation, it found Clouse’s actions violated ethics policies, disrupted county operations and breached public trust.
“This is a resolution of the Thurston County Board of County Commissioners of public censure of Commissioner Emily Clouse, expressing a loss of confidence in her judgment and leadership, and requesting her accountability measures,” said Commissioner Wayne Fournier, framing the document as a necessary acknowledgment of the BoCC’s collective judgment.
The resolution passed 4-0 with Clouse abstaining.
The resolution outlined the following findings from the investigation:
The resolution also cited Clouse’s “deliberate, deceptive behavior,” which created confusion within the board, the county organization and the public.
The BoCC resolution urged three specific actions for Clouse:
Fournier stated the resolution would be entered into the public record as a testament to the board’s commitment to ethical governance.
Despite the censure, the BoCC voted unanimously to reinstate Clouse to her roles on regional boards and committees, ending her suspension, which began on Aug. 13.
Commissioners noted their limited authority in dealing with elected officials.
“We cannot remove an elected individual that’s been elected by the people,” Edwards said. “That’s up to the voters of this county, so I think this is a compromise reached with our attorneys.”
Clouse abstained from voting on the resolution and criticized the BoCC’s conclusions, calling its description of her actions unfair and inconsistent with the investigation’s findings.
“I have taken accountability for the relationship, and I disagree with the conclusions the board has reached, as I believe they do not align with the findings of the investigation,” she said.
“The board’s characterization of my actions as 'deliberate, deceptive behavior' is inflammatory, misleading and disproportionate.”
Clouse admitted the relationship with a subordinate was “a lapse in judgment,” but denied any intent to deceive.
Despite the controversy, Clouse said she remains committed to her role and county governance.
“I have already committed to professionalism by continuing to perform my duties to the best of my ability, including ensuring the county is appropriately represented in critical matters,” she said.
A recent The JOLT News article detailed Clouse’s regret over her actions and her stated commitment to professional development. She also described the relationship as involving a longtime friend and alleged that the claims were an effort by the employee to avoid disciplinary action for unprofessional behavior.
Clouse expressed relief at being reinstated to her regional roles.
“I’m happy to put this matter behind us and move forward,” she said.
Meanwhile, the BoCC also faced criticism for its handling of the investigation, with some alleging inconsistencies compared to past cases — a concern highlighted in another The JOLT News article.
Fournier dismissed the comparisons.
“I do not care what was done in the past,” he said. “Historical inaction is no excuse for complacency now," he said.
Fournier expressed confidence that the county had upheld “fair play” throughout the process, also noting that the board’s response showed their commitment to accountability.
“Accountability applies top to bottom,” he said.
Menser defended the integrity of the investigation and the resolution.
“The commissioners wanted to know what happened, and we asked for an impartial, thorough investigation,” said Menser, noting the BoCC expanded the investigation’s scope to ensure all relevant areas were addressed.
County Manager Leonard Hernandez acknowledged the challenge the board faced.
“From an organizational perspective, it’s a powerful message that the board has decided to act as a body rather than make individual statements.” Hernandez said.
With the resolution and her reinstatement now part of the public record, Clouse will resume her roles on regional boards and committees.
The BoCC expressed hope that the resolution and preventive reforms would help restore public confidence in Thurston County governance.
“This has been a very difficult few months for the board on all sides,” Edwards said. “I’m hopeful that this gets us somewhere where we can then work together more effectively as a board.”
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JulesJames
Ms. Clouse is claiming the 4-0 vote against her was "inflammatory, misleading and disproportionate." Hoping the citizens of District #5 double-down on their efforts to recruit a few high quality candidates to run in 2027. She needs to go.
Thursday, December 12, 2024 Report this
bonaro
What about the allegation that the BOCC attempted to buy off the plaintif for his silence?
What about sexual misconduct?...extortion of money...attempt to fire...excused?
That male employee is in prime position to sue the daylights out of the County...and should.
The BOCC may not have the authority to terminate Clouse but they can suspend her duties until the end of her term. There needs to be a recall election immediately.
Friday, December 13, 2024 Report this
OlyBlues
As if the problems at Thurston County needed to get any worse, here comes Emily Clouse. Somehow District 5 voters were disillusioned with their inexperienced and unqualified candidate and their experiment has failed miserably. Clouse is an absolute embarrassment to the county and really highlights the lack of training, professionalism, and standards at the highest levels of county government. If Clouse could find another cush job making $150K/year she might consider doing the right thing and resigning but she believes she is above the law and reproach. If she had any ethics she would resign. She needs to go. That is the only way to restore credibility to the BOCC.
Friday, December 13, 2024 Report this
Claire
Close needs to resign. She has sullied Thurston County governance even more than it is.
Inexperienced, naive and woke-agenda driven. She MUST GO!. A recall is in order.
Friday, December 13, 2024 Report this
JW
Who would have thought such an extremist would end up costing the county a ton of money and embarrassment? This is what happens when you elect these people. Anyone remember Valenzuela and all the money the county had to pay out over the gravel pit debacle?
People need to realize that this type of extremist values politics over principles and will cost the county every time. And those extremist values seep down into other parts of life, like the despicable actions detailed here.
Friday, December 13, 2024 Report this
fuzzyland
Meanwhile: https://www.cascadepbs.org/investigations/2024/12/thurston-county-must-repay-668k-fraudulent-rental-aid
Saturday, December 14, 2024 Report this