This posting comes from an online website “Wally’s Wonders Why”, who’s focus is on local news that doesn’t seem to make it out from the shadows and shed light for the voting citizen’s to make an informed decision on who deserves their vote!
Read, enjoy and share…please.
YiT, Shelly
In Hopes that Local Media will Shed Some Light
October 17th, 2011 |
I haven’t found the time to post much lately, homework, work, kids football and the list goes on, but as our next chance to vote fast approaches I’m finding that one crucial issue has not come fully to light. The issue is whatever went on in the Whatcom County Treasurers Office between Steve Oliver and one of his employees as well as how our County Executive Pete Kremen handled it. I can’t tell you what went on for sure, only that something apparently has gone on, but that is the point of this post. I hope that our local media will shed some light on what has gone on, before we receive ballots asking us to again vote these men into public office. The people of Whatcom County deserve to know.
For months now I’ve heard rumors of a scandal between County Treasurer Steve Oliver and one of his employees as well as a subsequent hush hush dealing with the situation by County Executive Pete Kremen. I’ve seen no direct evidence of the situation, so these rumors have remained rumors from my standpoint; I’ve never repeated them. I frankly had hoped that both County Executive Pete Kremen and County Treasurer Steve Oliver would quietly end their political careers by not seeking re-election this year, or in Mr. Kremen’s case, election to a new position on the County Council. Withdrawing candidacy could have left what is undoubtedly also a sensitive personal issue to be dealt with on a personal, not public level. Sadly it doesn’t look like that is the way it will go down.
Both these men were recently questioned on this subject in open public forums and both seemed to acknowledge the situation, taking it out of the realm of gossip and rumor. Yet, neither shed light on the facts of the situation and, as of several days later, I’ve read nothing in the news. So in lieu of the real media at this point, I’ll pass along what I believe to know in hopes that we can make more informed decision.
At a recent NW Business Club forum, County Executive Kremen was asked if he bypassed the human resources department in dealing with a serious situation at the Whatcom County Treasurers office and his response apparently confirmed that he did.
Next, Whatcom County Treasurer Steve Oliver was asked at a Birch Bay candidate forum if he, while in office, did or did not engage in a relationship with a female employee that involved any form of affection, physical contact, sexual contact, or any other inappropriate conduct. And as a follow up he was asked how that kind of behavior would affect his ability to conduct the duties of the Treasurer’s office. His response was along the lines that there was no complaint, no grievance, no lawsuit, no threat of a lawsuit and that there had been no liability. And as far as I know, he didn’t deny anything and as far as I know, he didn’t answer the followup about the effect of this on the Treasurer’s office.
The lack of denial by either Pete Kremen or Steve Oliver gives substance to what had been only rumors. Apparently scandal did occur at the County Treasurers office and apparently it was dealt with in a less than standard fashion at the County Executive level.
I think the smartest move at this point would be for Pete Kremen and Steve Oliver to withdraw themselves from candidacy, however I won’t be holding my breath. But with ballots now close at hand, I sure hope that someone in our local media (Herald, KGMI, Cascadia) will step up and bring some facts to light so that voters may make more informed decisions.
Last night at the Bellingham tea party meeting in Lynden, Brian Smith had three minutes to address the gathering, and got a very positive reaction. I had no inkling from his address or from talking with him afterwards that there had been any questionable behavior by the current office holder. Brian seemed to think that it is time to open the position of County Treasurer beyond the Corey family dynasty, and that he has ability necessary to perform the job. mb
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