Anger Boils Over At Wednesday's Clatsop County Commission Meeting

by Tryan Hartill

Note to NCO readers. This is such a touchy issue that I think it’s best that you listen to what actually said and what was written, instead of reading my interpretation. Full-Audio is available below along with Samuelson’s letter.

After a goal setting workshop on Tuesday there was numerous reports that Sam Patrick was unhappy with some of the activities in a community outreach session. He had a few choice words for the concept and may have made a gesture to the Commissioners.

Patrica Roberts addressed this in a final statement at Wednesday’s regular Commission Meeting.

Here is Patricia’s Full Quote:

Roberts

After she made her statement, Richard Lee also had a few words for Sam Patrick.

Here is Richard’s Full Quote:

Lee

In response, Sam Patrick commented on something that Patricia said to him that he thought was inappropriate also.

Here is Sam’s full quote:

Patrick

Ann Samuelson and Jeff Hazen did not talk about the incident, but Samuelson produced a letter to the board:

Commissioner Sam Patrick
800 Exchange Street, Suite 410 Astoria, OR 97103

January 23, 2008

Dear Commissioner Patrick:

The purpose of this letter is to express my disappointment regarding my lack of response yesterday in reference to your behavior during our annual goal setting session.
A number of tunes you acted out in a demeaning manner and did not participate in our discussions and on one occasion made an obscene and sexual gesture with your finger. This occurred particularly when I brought up the issue of “building a culture of respect.” You also referred to one exercise we were participating in as “bullshit.” At the time I was shocked by your actions and hoped you would stop. Your behavior is intentionally demeaning to me as a woman. Further, your references to violence in our one on one discussions creates an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.
We are elected to be community leaders and I am personally humbled by it. I am ashamed that I have tolerated this behavior for a year. It is imperative that I set boundaries so that the public at large can be assured that we are respectfully doing the work of the County and looking out for their interests without bullying tactics, disregard of diversity, or abusive behavior.
Having said that, I have determined that we, as a commission, have no policy regarding Board behavior. So I am proposing a written policy regarding sexual harassment, acknowledging the diversity of our county and training on these issues as well. This is not a subject that I am willing to let go. Not acting on this puts Clatsop County at risk and models poor behavior to the citizens we serve and county staff. Even though we don’t see eye to I am asking you to join me to put this issue to rest.
As an elected official I am asking you to objectively look at this and the first step would be to support a written policy that creates a culture of respect for us and future commissions.
Sincerely,

Commissioner Ann Samuelson
Cc:
Patricia Roberts
JeffHazen
Richard Lee
County Counsel

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