Another excellent employee run out

I could not believe my eyes when I read the news in Wednesday’s Herald that Aaron Reardon had fired Janelle Sgrignoli, director of the Human Services Department. I had the honor and privilege to work with and for Ms. Sgrignoli for approximately 14½ years. She was a highly capable, genuinely caring and deeply respected county employee. Beyond the Human Services Department, she gained admiration and respect throughout the business and social service communities as well.

In terms of Reardon’s judgment, I am not surprised. Since the beginning of his reign, many experienced and capable county employees have been fired or forced out, or have left voluntarily due to the intolerable political climate created by his secretive and power hungry cabal. He cannot get along with the Democrats on the County Council, cannot seem to respect the rights of unions, and has little regard for the rights or feelings of county employees. He has little concern for residents of Snohomish County except those who support his political ambitions.

Reardon’s campaign made much of the lack of relevant experience of his opponent, Jack Turk. Well, it’s about as relevant as the experience of new interim director Cindy Hart in human resources and facilities management is to running a large, multi-service Human Services Department.

I am angry and saddened that politics and the need to control and micromanage have again trumped what is best for the citizens of Snohomish County. You can all be sure that no one whom this current executive appoints to this position will even begin to fill Ms. Sgrignoli’s shoes.

Carolyn Spector