County elected, staff need to embrace public servant concept

Posted

Last week’s Reflector, top-of-the-fold, front-page story “County change eliminates four top positions” reported on the dismantling of the environmental services department in Clark County.

Acting Clark County Manager Mark McCauley made the cuts, he said, for efficiency and to save the county taxpayer dollars. He estimates the savings at $1.26 million in the next two and a half years.

I do feel for Clark County Environmental Services Director Don Benton, Administrative Services Manager Nick Cimmiyotti, Administrative Assistant Susan Rice and Clean Water Program Director Chris Clifford. It’s never pleasant under any circumstances to lose a high-paying job. I do wish each of them well and hope they find employment where they can contribute and enjoy their work.

The action is a bit puzzling as I process the different angles, rumors and straight facts.

Benton, who is our Republican state senator out of Vancouver, has long been controversial. He was appointed by the two county commissioners — Republicans Tom Mielke and David Madore — to the county post in 2013, earning $154,000 per year. He served for both the county and the state Legislature at the same time.

I understand cutbacks, consolidation, change and budgets. As a tax paying citizen I appreciate that McCauley is looking for ways to save the county money. Then again, Benton said he has saved the county millions of dollars since he took over the department. 

I wonder who would have or could have saved the most between retaining Benton and his department or by elimination of the environmental services department. At this point, accusations are flying and little supporting evidence for either side has been produced.

One of the reasons the department was formed was to help resolve the dysfunction between departments when it came to obtaining permits, as stated by Clark County Council Chair Marc Boldt. Now the dysfunction has been mitigated and has improved, Boldt said, adding the culture has changed and there’s better communication.



Before the elimination of the department, Benton had started investigating financial improprieties at the county. As a result, he felt his job was being threatened so he filed a whistleblower complaint.

It’s just a little ironic the department created to resolve dysfunctions between departments regarding permitting created more dysfunction by looking into financial improprieties. Does this really come down to who likes and dislike whom or is there valid substance by both parties?

Benton said he has filed his complaint with the state, so we may find out more if an investigation is authorized.

This tale will continue to unfold and I imagine we’re in for more surprises from all sides, accompanied by more front page headlines. I suspect, as in most stories, there are two sides to tell.

My hope is the staff and representatives of Clark County can, at some point soon, figure out how to all get along, stay accountable and work together to gain back respect not only at the community level but the state level as well. We have some amazing individuals working for us and I have faith that great government can be accomplished.

My simple request is that all parties embrace the concept of being a public servant and put aside any personal agendas for the common good of Clark County.