Transparency

First, let us address transparency.  ​

My opponent knows the content of the telephone conversation that took place in March with the Finance Director. Although the Finance Director refused to meet with him in person, she agreed to maintain her independence in fact and in appearance and suggested the use of the County Clerk’s public records channel to answer any of his questions in detail.
He seemed amiable to this and appeared to understand her position.  Most department heads expressed being uncomfortable with personal meetings due to potential conflicts.  His claim of political disadvantage is not my concern. If he would like to learn the duties of a county clerk, I encourage him to visit the Idaho Association of Counties website.
My opponent has also brought up former Chief Deputy Clerk Pat Raffee.  Ms. Raffee brought many good ideas and process improvements to the Clerk’s office in her time with the county.  As an individual who was raised in a very diverse city, I felt she made a discriminatory comment during a press interview (links can be found HERE and HERE).
Soon after this comment was published, I received a written complaint from a Kootenai County attorney who was deeply offended.  This was the last straw in a series of events and numerous personnel complaints. After clarifying any pending projects she was working on, I rescinded her political appointment the following month.  Since her political appointment was rescinded, turnover in the Clerk’s divisions has reduced substantially and individuals who had left have returned to work. The Chief Deputy Clerk position is a political appointment, not a hire.  In my tenure as Clerk, all employee positions have been advertised.