County clerk: Firing is shameful

I feel I need to express my thoughts regarding the present situation of the Island County Clerk’s office.

Having retired from that position after 28 years of service to the county I feel I know the circumstances well.

I was very disappointed in the county commissioners’ decision to appoint Mrs. Koetje to complete the remaining year of my term of office. They completely ignored the most important issue, that being qualifications for the position. Why they would appoint someone who knew nothing about that office over someone with 20 years of experience as chief deputy was not only a disappointment to me but made me question the politics behind their decision.

Now I hear that Mrs. Koetje has fired the chief deputy Sharon Franzen. Koetje has every right to put anyone in that position that she chooses to, however, she waited until after filing for the office was closed to ensure she had no competition from Ms. Franzen.

Mrs. Koetje has used Sharon’s knowledge and expertise to get her through a very rough first year and now no longer needs her. She fired her on the spot, told her to clean out her desk and leave when that was completed. What an appalling way for Island County management to treat an employee with 20 years of service to the county.

There will be those out there who will think that was a smart political move on Koetje’s part. There are all kinds of political moves, and I for one think that was dirty politics. Shame on you Jane!

Marilee James (Black)

former county clerk

Yuma, Ariz.

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