Dear Editor:
I can appreciate Ms O’Hearon’s desire to serve the citizens of Rio Blanco County and to “positively impact the future of Rio Blanco County.” I believe the citizens of Rio Blanco want what is best for our county.
Ms. O’Hearon states having been the Director of DHS, however leaves out that she was also the Director of Public Health. She further states that there was “controversy at the end of her tenure” and that the “allegations were that her leadership style was hostile and unfair.” The investigation was conducted by the Employers Council out of Denver. The investigation into employee concerns was substantiated resulting in Ms. O’Hearon’s departure. Ms. O’Hearon further states that the “investigation was done at the behest of employees who have since been dismissed, demoted or departed.” How does Ms. O’Hearon know who these employees are/were and how does she know “who was dismissed or demoted”? Is this an assumption on Ms. O’Hearon’s part or did she receive information regarding employees involved in the investigation and their employment status from someone not authorized to provide such information? I would hope this is an assumption on Ms. O’Hearon’s part and not a county employee or elected official providing confidential information. In regards to the investigation, I believe Ms. O’Hearon would be surprised to know, although an employee at the time of the investigation, I was not interviewed by the investigator.
Putting forth unverified information will only deepen the discord within Rio Blanco County.
Ms. O’Hearon pledges “bringing a fair approach“ to her position as Commissioner. This will require gathering facts from all parties and not making assumptions.
Barb Bofinger
Meeker
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