Kudos to all of the "watchers" who stuck with it and encouraged the SLC Board to adopt a Code of Conduct at their last meeting of 2007 in Ely on December 18th. After a 4-hour discussion and a number of amendments to actually give it some "teeth", the Code passed unamimously. It was clear that Commissioners Nelson and Fink did not support it, but they realized they no longer had the votes to defeat it.
Recognition should go to Comissioner Bill Kron who chaired the meeting with respect and grace, at one point preventing Commissioner Fink from cross-examining members of the public who came to speak in favor of the Code. Commissioners Sweeny and O'Neil had always supported the Code and, in the end, Commissioners Rauker and Forsman indicated their support as well.
This is an excellent first step in restoring some civility to this Board but it will clearly continue to be necessary to watch for some time into the future,
One issue scheduled to be on the Board meeting for their January 15th meeting is with respect to the re-naming of an island in Commissioner's Forsman's district. The Bois Fort Band of Ojibwe has indicated they would like for the island to be named "Gitchi Miniss", which translates to "Big Island". Apparently there has been some "agreement" made with a local family who "sold" the island to the State of Minnesota to have the island named for themselves. Stay tuned....
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Meeting in Ely on the 18th
It is unfortunate that the St. Louis County Board so often finds it necessary to undertake controversial votes at the meeting just before Christmas which is so often in Ely. I'm sure they have not noticed the difficulty folks have getting to that remote destination at this time of year.
It is also unfortunate they have not noticed that the code of conduct they are proposing to vote on lacks the important qualities that would serve to protect the county and it's employees from the repercussions of the behavioral antics of the commissioners.
The County is put in the spot of being a parent just realizing it is responsible for the acts of it's charming youngsters. Bullying and sexual harassment come home to roost in the pocket books of the voters. I suppose these fellows think that they can keep the raise to the county coffers under 5% and we'll all go back to sleep.
But I think some of the folks just look like they're sleeping. I think they care.
It is also unfortunate they have not noticed that the code of conduct they are proposing to vote on lacks the important qualities that would serve to protect the county and it's employees from the repercussions of the behavioral antics of the commissioners.
The County is put in the spot of being a parent just realizing it is responsible for the acts of it's charming youngsters. Bullying and sexual harassment come home to roost in the pocket books of the voters. I suppose these fellows think that they can keep the raise to the county coffers under 5% and we'll all go back to sleep.
But I think some of the folks just look like they're sleeping. I think they care.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Mandatory sexual harrassment training
I agree with Sandra about the concerns that this code gives no clear policy for violations. A clear policy is critical and I believe is required by law.
Another concern is that #6 Educational Programs only encourages attendance at trainings. I believe sexual harassment training should be required at least once every 2 years. Other trainings should be encouraged as well. Many professions have requirements for regular trainings.
Another concern is that #6 Educational Programs only encourages attendance at trainings. I believe sexual harassment training should be required at least once every 2 years. Other trainings should be encouraged as well. Many professions have requirements for regular trainings.
new code
This is my least favorite bit of the code proposed by Commissioner Nelson:CONSEQUENCES OF VIOLATING THE CODE OF CONDUCT
Stat. 375 gives the Board power to set up its own rules and regulations in response to a complaint on a case-by-case basis with the advice of its Affirmative Action Officer and Administrator as the Data Practices Officer.
What's yours?
Sandra
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Board Budget Workshop on Dec 7th
At the recent Board workshop on December 7th, the commissioners discussed the budget. There was a lengthy discussion regarding cutting the county attorney's budget related to victim services, specifically a half-time position for a county attorney to work with crime victims/witnesses. At the same time, they discussed providing funding for the "air show", which Commissioner Sweeny pointed out seemed a bit out of sync with the "priorities" of the county in terms of limited resources. County Administrator Dana Frey questioned whether it was even legal for the county to give money to the Air Show and said he would get a clarification on this, seeing as they were not really "purchasing" services.
There was also a healthy debate on providing funding for a homeless vets project and whether or not they should "earmark" funds in the budget for this, as well as for the Air Show, Historical Society, and Vets Memorial Hall. Commissioner O'Neill advocated for the Vets Housing project (MACV) but was questioned by Commissioner Nelson on this. Apparently Nelson was not ready to commit funds to this in the budget. He did indicate that Commissioner Fink (who was unable to attend) felt strongly that the Air Show should be funded and the attorney position for victim services should be cut!
It is certainly interesting that the County Attorney's office is targeted, following the investigations into those sexual harassment complaints against Rauker and Fink back in the summer of 2007. Apparently prior to that they had actually supported funding for this position!
Other "expenditure reduction options"" included $30,000 in out-of-home placement funds and $30,000 in "non-mandatory training". There was also brief discussion on raising the salaries for the Sheriff and County Attorney in that a comparison with other elected officials in that same job category indicated they were both underpaid at present.
Stay tuned, as the budget should be formally adopted at the upcoming Board meting on December 11th.
As for that "Code of Conduct".....that is apparently on the agenda for the "Committee of the Whole" meeting on the 1th as well!
There was also a healthy debate on providing funding for a homeless vets project and whether or not they should "earmark" funds in the budget for this, as well as for the Air Show, Historical Society, and Vets Memorial Hall. Commissioner O'Neill advocated for the Vets Housing project (MACV) but was questioned by Commissioner Nelson on this. Apparently Nelson was not ready to commit funds to this in the budget. He did indicate that Commissioner Fink (who was unable to attend) felt strongly that the Air Show should be funded and the attorney position for victim services should be cut!
It is certainly interesting that the County Attorney's office is targeted, following the investigations into those sexual harassment complaints against Rauker and Fink back in the summer of 2007. Apparently prior to that they had actually supported funding for this position!
Other "expenditure reduction options"" included $30,000 in out-of-home placement funds and $30,000 in "non-mandatory training". There was also brief discussion on raising the salaries for the Sheriff and County Attorney in that a comparison with other elected officials in that same job category indicated they were both underpaid at present.
Stay tuned, as the budget should be formally adopted at the upcoming Board meting on December 11th.
As for that "Code of Conduct".....that is apparently on the agenda for the "Committee of the Whole" meeting on the 1th as well!
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
We are Still "Watching" the County Board
I attended the Board meeting today in Hibbing, as well as Day One of the county Board workshop last week in Eveleth on November 19th. I am pleased to report that the "watchers" seem to still be in regular attendance at these meetings. I am sad to report that the proposed "Code of Conduct" does not appear to be going anywhere anytime soon....maybe the Commissioners will surprise us, perhaps as a "New Year's Resolution"....and actually enact a Code! OK, so I am not holding my breath on that one.
At today's meeting they spent about 40 minutes discussing the re-naming of an island in a a lake in Commissioner Forsman's district. It initially appeared to be a mystery as to why this was so pressing right now, why they had received a letter from the DNR and why the State Legislature had actually passed a bill regarding this issue. Commissioner Nelson, after probably half an hour of discussion, indicated that a family had requested the island be re-named after themselves and their legislator had worked to pass the bill. Apparently folks had not really clued in Forsman on this and there was not anyone there to address the issue from the public, thus the matter was continued until they meet in Ely on December 18th. If you have never been to one of these meetings you really should go!
Last week at the Board Workshop they again tabled the Code of Conduct discussion. Interestingly, Commissioner Fink has requested that under the section regarding "consequences" for violating the Code an option be added for the Board to "do nothing". Seems a bit ironic but so it goes! Take a look at the We are Watching web site for additional information, including copies of the latest versions of the proposed "Code" including separate documents for employees and elected officials.
http://www.northernmnnews.com/
At today's meeting they spent about 40 minutes discussing the re-naming of an island in a a lake in Commissioner Forsman's district. It initially appeared to be a mystery as to why this was so pressing right now, why they had received a letter from the DNR and why the State Legislature had actually passed a bill regarding this issue. Commissioner Nelson, after probably half an hour of discussion, indicated that a family had requested the island be re-named after themselves and their legislator had worked to pass the bill. Apparently folks had not really clued in Forsman on this and there was not anyone there to address the issue from the public, thus the matter was continued until they meet in Ely on December 18th. If you have never been to one of these meetings you really should go!
Last week at the Board Workshop they again tabled the Code of Conduct discussion. Interestingly, Commissioner Fink has requested that under the section regarding "consequences" for violating the Code an option be added for the Board to "do nothing". Seems a bit ironic but so it goes! Take a look at the We are Watching web site for additional information, including copies of the latest versions of the proposed "Code" including separate documents for employees and elected officials.
http://www.northernmnnews.com/
Friday, November 16, 2007
follow up on the video
This article was in the comments sections to the Nelson video. I thought people might not see it there, so I posted it.
I was shocked by Nelson's behavior. It shows we need that code and we need to keep watching.
I was shocked by Nelson's behavior. It shows we need that code and we need to keep watching.
From an Ely voter:
From the Ely Timberjay - the editor of that newspaper knows right from wrong!
Code of conduct-Voters have a role to play in stemming board immaturity
“Professional behavior demonstrates to the public and all public servants that it matters how we do business each day. It is a public commitment to doing our work in a professional, respectful and lawful way.”
Those are the two opening sentences of a proposed new code of conduct for St. Louis County. Unfortunately, it appears those words may be setting the bar too high for some on the county board.
It was just a few weeks ago that it seemed the St. Louis County Board was poised to adopt such a code of ethics in the wake of sexual harassment complaints against two sitting commissioners.
But if the comments of some board members at their Oct. 16 meeting to discuss a draft of the conduct code are any indication, don’t hold your breath. Professional and respectful behavior isn’t likely to return to St. Louis County Board meetings any time soon.
Far from serious discussion, some board members made it clear they’re in no hurry to reform themselves. One commissioner suggested they should refer the matter to another meeting— preferably sometime next year. Commissioner Dennis Fink, who recently caused a stir by throwing a book at Commissioner Peg Sweeney during a board meeting, nitpicked over individual words, headings and definitions.
Perhaps definitions wouldn’t be such a bad thing for some on the board. The code after all, uses words like respect, trustworthiness and fairness—and some on the county board act as if they were out sick back in first grade when such concepts were taught to the rest of us.
The code might also encourage maturity, since there’s a disappointing lack of it as well among some on the board. Some commissioners are still in a snit over having to take legal advice from a woman, of all things. It’s time to get over it.
Sadly, it’s not clear how much difference a code of conduct will actually make. While the many conscientious county employees and officials will easily comply with the document, such individuals don’t need a piece of paper to tell them how to show respect for others. But from the bullying and immaturity exhibited regularly by some commissioners at board meetings, it’s going to take more than mere words to get them to change their ways.
It’s going to take voters to finally ask themselves if this is the kind of representation they really want on the county board.
The article can be found at the following website http://timberjay.com/current.php?article=3818
Monday, November 12, 2007
Nelson
The video quality is poor but you can hear every word. Keith Nelson begins with a whining plea that "these are gooood people" he's referring to himself and Dennis Fink. He then comments, as a member of the public leaves the room, that the person, who is a union leader, doesn't have to 'tell you how to vote on this one so he can leave the room' implying that another commissioner is in the pocket of that union leader. It is a calculated political assault. Another commissioner raises a protest as does the chair of the board but Nelson talks right over them. He ignores their point of order. He uses bad grammar. It's that comment shouldn't have come out, not came out. But he was right.... it shouldn't have.
He goes on to dispute the right and propriety of other members of the board to debate over his proposed resolution.
Chairman Kron is forced to explain the basic function of debate in democracy.
Representative Rukavena must be very embarrassed to have such a strange champion.
He says NOT THE EIGHTH COMMISSIONER.... what on earth does that mean?
Nelson Disrespectful
It never ceases to amaze me that a few of our our elected county commissioners can be so rude and disrespectful to others even when we are watching. Maybe they don't even know that they are being rude. Nelson was disrespectful (to say the least) Sweeney for a good part of the afternoon at the November 6th committee of the whole meeting. He even accused her of looking at a watcher to have him tell her how to vote! and through most of his tirade he turned his back to her. If people aren't able to attend the meetings, it would be good if you could watch some of theses antics on PACT and see for yourself how St. Louis County citizens are represented. It is downright embarrassing.
CJMcD
CJMcD
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Any news on the Nov 6th Board Meeting?
Does anyone who went to the meeting on Tuesday have any first-hand information? I understand that Commissioner Nelson demonstrated very disrespectful behavior, especially towards one commissioner.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Forsman again on real sexual harassment
At yesterday's County board meeting (November 6) after a statement by Kevin Skwira-Brown on the Code of Conduct, Commission Forsman commented again on why he believes the sexual harassment commissioners Fink and Rauker were accused off did not count as "real" sexual harassment. In his opinion it did not meet federal guidelines. I was not sure what he meant by that, but I wanted to share with you all that It was dishartening to hear him talk about what happened in this manner. A code of conduct remains to be much needed.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Commissioner Forsman Comments on “Real” Sexual Harassment Complaint
At the recent County Board workshop on October 16th Commissioner Forsman again commented on sexual harassment complaints filed against County Commissioners Rauker and Fink, even after County Attorney Melanie Ford advised him not to do so.
The Board met in closed session to discuss litigation pending against the county pertaining to a pending sexual harassment complaint between county employees. Prior to this session, during the County Board workshop, Commissioner Forsman referred to that matter as a “real” sexual harassment case, not to be confused with the cases that were brought against commissioners, which he apparently does not think were “real”.
This only reinforces the need for some training for these commissioners, as well as a “Code of Conduct”.
The Board met in closed session to discuss litigation pending against the county pertaining to a pending sexual harassment complaint between county employees. Prior to this session, during the County Board workshop, Commissioner Forsman referred to that matter as a “real” sexual harassment case, not to be confused with the cases that were brought against commissioners, which he apparently does not think were “real”.
This only reinforces the need for some training for these commissioners, as well as a “Code of Conduct”.
Thoughts from the recent County Board Workshop on October 16th……regarding that “Code of Conduct”
I attended the recent County Board workshop where the first item on the agenda was the proposed “Code of Conduct”. It quickly became clear that the majority of the Board members (AKA Fink,Forsberg,Raukar,Nelson) have no intention of adopting any such Code anytime soon.
Commissioner Fink immediately indicated that he objected to the statement “Each public servant is expected to model respect, trustworthiness and fairness in all county related activities and relationships” under the broad heading of “Respect”. He did not believe that “respect, trustworthiness and fairness” were related to one another! Additionally, he requested that the document have a “definitions” page so everyone would know what these terms mean.
Some commissioners were concerned that language about “prohibiting” specific types of behavior should not be in the Code. Another area of controversy was with respect to the proposed Ethics Committee and review panel. Some commissioners were very concerned that these bodies might actually have the ability to investigate complaints and make recommendations regarding action. They clearly were threatened by this concept.
It should be noted that Commissioner Fink was especially challenging at this meeting, questioning most aspects of the draft Code but when asked how he would improve it, responded, “I have no recommendation” and “That was not my responsibility” (to come up with alternative language).
Specific language regarding harassment included the statement, “The County is committed to ensuring that no employee feels endangered or unreasonably uncomfortable in their workplace”. Some commissioners objected to the term “feels” and thought an employee needed to actually “be” endangered or unreasonably uncomfortable in their workplace”.
All in all it was a disappointing session but one that just reinforces the need to keep “watching” the County Board.
Commissioner Fink immediately indicated that he objected to the statement “Each public servant is expected to model respect, trustworthiness and fairness in all county related activities and relationships” under the broad heading of “Respect”. He did not believe that “respect, trustworthiness and fairness” were related to one another! Additionally, he requested that the document have a “definitions” page so everyone would know what these terms mean.
Some commissioners were concerned that language about “prohibiting” specific types of behavior should not be in the Code. Another area of controversy was with respect to the proposed Ethics Committee and review panel. Some commissioners were very concerned that these bodies might actually have the ability to investigate complaints and make recommendations regarding action. They clearly were threatened by this concept.
It should be noted that Commissioner Fink was especially challenging at this meeting, questioning most aspects of the draft Code but when asked how he would improve it, responded, “I have no recommendation” and “That was not my responsibility” (to come up with alternative language).
Specific language regarding harassment included the statement, “The County is committed to ensuring that no employee feels endangered or unreasonably uncomfortable in their workplace”. Some commissioners objected to the term “feels” and thought an employee needed to actually “be” endangered or unreasonably uncomfortable in their workplace”.
All in all it was a disappointing session but one that just reinforces the need to keep “watching” the County Board.
If it smells like a rose....
If County Commissioners are not employees why does the county deduct Social Security, FICA and why are they covered by employee health care.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Draft Code of Conduct To Be Considered
The proposed "Code of Conduct" has now been made available and will be considered at the upcoming County Board Workshop this Tuesday, Oct 16th at the Public Works Dept. conference room located at 4787 Midway Road, Duluth, MN. The starting time has been changed to 9:00 a.m.
It is important that folks concerned about this issue attend this meeting to let commissioners know that we are still paying attention.
A copy of the proposed Code should be available on the We are Watching web site soon
http://www.northernmnnews.com/
It is important that folks concerned about this issue attend this meeting to let commissioners know that we are still paying attention.
A copy of the proposed Code should be available on the We are Watching web site soon
http://www.northernmnnews.com/
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Men As Peacemakers Letter to County Board
Peacemakers call County Board members to account
Men as Peacemakers was founded in 1996 to respond to the noticeable absence of men in peacemaking and violence prevention efforts in the Duluth community. As our group has grown, the areas of our work have grown as well.
In 2005, the Minnesota Department of Health hired Men as Peacemakers to assist in developing a statewide effort to involve men in the prevention of sexual violence. Like any prevention effort, to be effective, we must change the norms that support negative behaviors.
The recent actions of certain St. Louis County commissioners, exempting themselves from responsibility for sexual harassment, were examples of a norm that must change. As board members of Men as Peacemakers, we felt compelled to speak out and let the community know our position on this issue. As leaders, we believe that sexual harassment is wrong and unacceptable under any circumstance, especially by a community leader. Sexual harassment is about the misuse of power and is defined by the victim, not by the offender. In this case, it is about the incredible power elected officials have over those who work for them.
The County Board’s recent decision to develop a policy that will hold members accountable for acts of sexual harassment was an example of how community initiative and County Board response can promote positive change. Changing policy is only one example. Further examples include acknowledgement of the harm that was inflicted and displays of attitudes and behavior that will prevent further harm.
Each time an organization sets and enforces a policy, it changes the way those actions are seen in the community and affects the behavior of others. Elected officials must lead by example. By apologizing and holding themselves accountable for their actions, they can do just that.
Ken Schoen, Patricia Behning, Marcus Brunning, Jim Cherveny, Blair Gagne, Fletcher Hinds, Matt Johnson, Ken Muckala, Deb Sauter, Don Streufert, Robert Wahman and Chuck Walt
Duluth
The writers are board members of the Duluth-based grass-roots nonprofit Men As Peacemakers.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
How did today's meeting in Duluth go?
Hi there,
I didn't go to the meeting today. Can anybody tell me how it went? Just comment on this post.
Big thanks, Sandra
I didn't go to the meeting today. Can anybody tell me how it went? Just comment on this post.
Big thanks, Sandra
Sunday, October 7, 2007
another sensible editorial
County Board has the right to remain silent. And should.
Duluth News Tribune
Published Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Probably the most important advice a lawyer can give a client is to remain silent. In criminal cases, any defense lawyer worth anything knows that police and prosecutors mean it when they warn that anything you say can and will be used against you.The advice is equally invaluable in the civil arena, when a few words uttered by even the most innocent party can end up, rightly or wrongly, being the basis for a large-figure lawsuit. So St. Louis County Attorney Melanie Ford’s caution to County Board members to cease speaking publicly about harassment cases — out of concern that more may be filed — should be accepted as the good counsel it is.
Should County Board members be able to exercise their right of unfettered free speech? Absolutely. But discretion dictates that the gasoline set off by getting a last word in or lobbing even a justified defensive remark shouldn’t be poured on high-flaming emotions, which are running rampant in county government.
The admonition, by the way, shouldn’t be interpreted as directed to one side of the board or any particular member or members. The entire body would be wise to heed the county lawyer’s advice.
St. Louis County attorney to county board: Stop talking about harassment complaints
I'm sure most of you have read the article below, or watched it on our Northern Minnesota news. In case you missed it you can watch it on http://www.northernmnnews.com/. it's the third video clip right after 2 great statements by Kathy and Kevin. Thank you for those by the way.
It was good to see how positive for example Commissioners Kron and Sweeney were. They thanked Melanie Ford for doing her job. Unfortunately Commissioner Nelson's behavior was less than impressive. We will see how it will do this Tuesday, please join us!
Sandra
St. Louis County attorney to county board: Stop talking about harassment complaints
Duluth News Tribune
Published Tuesday, October 02, 2007
To protect the county from more potential sexual harassment complaints, St. Louis County Attorney Melanie Ford today advised the County Board not to talk about complaints filed earlier this year against two commissioners or about the female employees who filed the complaints.“There’s a lot of talk out there that there could be other complaints,” Ford told commissioners at the end of regular board meeting in Duluth. “There’s a lot of people in the county talking about what’s going on, and there’s even talk about them getting together and filing a complaint.”Earlier this year, sexual harassment complaints were filed against Commissioners Dennis Fink and Steve Raukar.
Following investigations by Duluth attorney Elizabeth Storaasli, both commissioners were found by the county’s personnel officer to have violated a county harassment policy. However, as elected officials, commissioners are not subject to the same policy that covers county employees.
The board, in two separate split votes, didn’t take disciplinary action against either commissioner.
Further public discussion about the issue — either to media or among commissioners — could lead to additional complaints from the complainants or from others, said Ford.
“I am here telling you that it is a possibility, and I am here to suggest there is a way to reduce the risk of a complaint or lawsuit being filed,” said Ford. “I would suggest you not make your feelings public about the harassment complaints.”
Commissioners Peg Sweeney and Bill Kron thanked Ford for her legal advice.
Kron said former county attorney Alan Mitchell offered similar warnings to the board during Mitchell’s tenure.
“You have told us some areas to be careful of and that is your job,” said Kron.
Sweeney said Ford’s job is to “put up red flags,” to the board and “prevent further victimization of the victims.”
However, Commissioner Keith Nelson said Ford was keeping the issue alive by bringing it up at a board meeting.
For more of this story, read tomorrow's Duluth News Tribune and check back to duluthnewstribune.com.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Clean Water Resoration Act
I was surprised to hear a County Commissioner speak in opposition to the bill Representative Oberstar has put forth. Our own County Professional Staff has testified in front of a Congressional Committee in support of the bill. It's a very important piece of legislation intended to restore protections for water in our nation. I cannot imagine anything worse than leaving the decisions about what the regulations for clean water should be to a county in Ohio or Mississippi or Minnesota (our standards are already higher than the federal ones) for that matter. We're all connected and the water from our backyard flows into the creeks, streams, rivers and lakes we all drink from.
http://northernmnnews.com/CleanWater.htm
http://www.cleanwateraction.org/national/
http://northernmnnews.com/CleanWater.htm
http://www.cleanwateraction.org/national/
Sunday, September 30, 2007
another great letter in the News Tribune
and another great letter was published in the Duluth News Tribune today, keep 'm coming!
Civility was lacking atcounty board workshop
Watching the county commissioners discuss issues at a Sept. 18 workshop turned out to be rather interesting. They expressed some informed opinions, listened to each other, and aside from some personal rants (that are a politician’s prerogative) and some nonverbal posturing when colleagues spoke, it wasn’t too bad a morning. The people around the table were quite aware of those of us there to observe how they conducted business.
Then Commissioner Dennis Fink, after orating at length with a degree of irrationality about the notion of prioritizing correct environmental purchases for county departments, seemed to lose control when Commissioner Peg Sweeney challenged (with just a look) his statement that the county holds $4.2 million of inventory at this time. He shouted that it was all in the budget publication, launched that bound book across the table in Sweeney’s direction, with Commissioner Steve O’Neil helping to bring it to a stop. When Sweeney spoke next, she chided Fink telling him that was childish behavior. He shot back, “Well, just throw it back at me.” (“Sweeney claims Fink threw book at her,” Sept. 26, and Our View, “Mommmmmmmmmmyyyyy!” Sept. 27.)
I also was mystified by the repeated references to people needing social services coming to St. Louis County from Chicago always directed toward O’Neil, who patiently maintained a pleasant demeanor in spite of what began to look like badgering. Ann Busche, director of Public Health and Human Services, explained that St. Louis County is bound by exactly the same Minnesota state rules as the other 86 counties and that the county does not hand out services lavishly. That did nothing to stop the lamentations of helping folks from Chicago while looking at O’Neil.
I expected to see respectful interaction (both verbal and nonverbal) between commissioners. And I expect commissioners to listen to their employees.
Phyllis Mead
Duluth
Friday, September 28, 2007
introductions are in order
Dear readers,
I just invited myself to become a blogger on this great new blog, so I figured introductions are in order. I am a 36 year old mother who lives in Duluth. I am sharing the mother bit with you all because it’s is part of the reason I became involved in the “We are watching” campaign. You see, I have a son, and I do not want my son to grow up and behave like some of our County Commissioners, no Fink for a role model please. Also I want my son to be able to stand up for injustices as he sees them. I want County Commissioners to be accountable; they make important decisions that effect all of us. I think that Commissioner O’Neill has been trying to convince the board to hold their meetings in the evening so more citizens could come and listen in, accountability according to this commissioner is a good thing, and maybe this idea should be revisited. Until then I will take time out of my busy day as much as I can and watch our commissioners at work. Do join.
Readers' views in Duluth News Tribune on Sept 28
I was happy to see this letter in today's (Sept 28th) Duluth News Tribune. I could not agree more with what Trevor had to say. Except perhaps with his statement that "His (Forsman's) statement would be expected from a hormone-crazed, 14-year-old boy". If I was a 14 year old boy, I'd object, but then again, I've never been one...
Thank you Trevor!
Thank you Trevor!
County Board members attempt to play the victim
St. Louis County Commissioner Mike Forsman’s response to the campaign of the We are Watching group would be comical if it wasn’t so indicative of a serious incapacity to recognize the importance of ethical behavior from elected officials (“County will craft code,” Sept. 5). Residents of St. Louis County should be concerned that an individual with such a deficit wields the power that Forsman does.
If Forsman is serious that he is incapable of discerning the difference between looking at a woman and ogling her, he lacks a level of self-awareness and self-control that would be expected in a responsible adult. His statement would be expected from a hormone-crazed, 14-year-old boy, not an elected official. Perhaps Forsman’s constituents should consider whether this level of maturity is adequate to earn their votes when he’s up for re-election.
Forsman’s accusation of white-male hatred is completely without merit. Certainly he noticed that other white male commissioners were not the subjects of the protest group’s action, but only those who made inappropriate advances on female employees of St. Louis County. This issue is not about white men, it is about men in elected office who have sexually harassed women working for the county.
Finally, Forsman’s suggestion that the We are Watching group and its supporters are analogous to the racist mob who lynched three innocent black men in Duluth in 1920 is completely off base and demonstrates a broad-ranging ignorance of the issues at hand. Holding elected officials accountable for their behavior is not the same as murdering three men because they are African American. Forsman clearly feels like a victim, but he isn’t one, and neither are Commissioners Dennis Fink (“Fink faces accusations of improper comments and stares,” Aug. 16) or Steve Raukar (“County inquiry focuses on hotel phone calls,” Aug. 4). Only the privilege white men hold in this society would allow the consequences of unethical behavior to be mistaken for victimization.
Trevor Swoverland
Two Harobrs
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
County commissioner gets touchy over X-rated issues
FROM THE ELY TIMBERJAY
Wednesday, September 26, 2007 Volume 18, Issue 38
County commissioner gets touchy over X-rated issues
By Nancy Jo Tubbs
Note to County Commissioner Mike Forsman: Lose the sunglasses. A white, middle class, middle-aged ex-Marine with a well paid job and powerful political position doesn’t get to claim victimhood.
By now you may know that Forsman showed up at the St Louis County Commissioners’ meeting in Duluth on September 4 wearing sunglasses after independent investigators recommended that two commissioners, Dennis Fink and Steve Raukar, be censured for violating the county’s sexual harassment policy. With Forsman voting for Raukar and Fink, the commission decided 3-3 in each case, not to censure the commissioners.
The reason for Forsman’s sunglasses: “Because I’m not smart enough to know when a glance turns into a look and a look turns into an ogle,” he told the Duluth News Tribune.
Okay, the difference between looking and ogling may be in the eye of the beholder, but in the case of Commissioner Raukar, the charges included unwelcome late night and 1 a.m. phone calls of a graphic sexual nature asking to come to the hotel room of a female county employee. (Raukar said they were just invitations to come down to his room for a drink, for which he has apologized to his family, the commission and the employee.) Forsman would have to stop using the phone to more accurately protest the charges against his fellow commissioner.
Mike and I graduated from high school together and both attend Democratic caucus meetings. I think he’s a good Iron Range representative, and we’re often on the same side of the political barricades, but at times we disagree. After a congenial two-hour conversation this past week in Mike’s kitchen and after reading the investigative reports listing charges against commissioners Raukar and Fink (which you can see at northernmnnews.com), this is one of those disagreements.
Mike, take off the sunglasses, buddy. From here they just look like blinders. The reasons Mike gives for voting against the censure are statements of old fashioned sexism seasoned by paranoia: The women sometimes wore short skirts and revealing tops. They were out to sucker in a couple of nice guys, nail them with harassment charges and come out of the deal with better jobs. Mike strongly believes harassment shouldn’t be tolerated—the kind where the guy is groping his secretary or chasing her around the desk—but he considers Raukar’s and Fink’s transgressions “benign.” Ellen Quinn, then county public information officer, who charged Raukar, isn’t a timid “poster child for sexual harassment,” Mike says, since he noted Ellen didn’t mind telling or hearing a dirty joke in mixed company, was known to aggressively chew out a secretary, and seemed like Raukar’s friend.
I thought we’d finished back in the ‘70s with the goofy reasoning that a woman’s short skirt is a green light for men’s bad behavior. (At the risk of irritating the sisterhood, I do think that women can be kind to their co-workers of both genders by dressing modestly so as not to distract the menfolk.) But, it’s a far stretch to believe that a sane person would go through the misery of bringing sexual harassment charges in the hopes of landing a better job.
“Anyone who has gone forward and actually said the words out loud—sexual harassment— should get the Purple Heart,” JoAnn Burns wrote in Minnesota Women’s Press about her experience as a whistleblower. “It’s lonely. Be prepared for heartache. Be prepared for everything you have done in your life to be dredged up. The company will want to make it look like you have no credibility—the bill you forgot to pay in 1980 will become an issue.”
About 50 members of a new group, We are Watching, showed up September 4 to protest the commissioners’ non-censure vote. Quinn spoke to them and others in the chamber.
“Ask yourself why anyone would bring forth false or trumped-up charges,” she said. “To endure a year-long ordeal, being called a liar and worse in the media, having one’s name exposed in the press? Through no fault of my own, my life will never be the same.”
The listeners applauded.
Forsman said the crowd was made up of folks who are not his constituents—but rather members of the Blue-Green Alliance and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees—who looked angry and intimidating.
“This reminds me of the mob mentality that lynched three black men in Duluth,” he said, playing the ultimate victim card. Enough, already, with the dramatizing!
When it came right down to a vote, a key factor for some was that the commissioners are elected officials to whom county employee policies don’t apply. The commission subsequently voted unanimously to develop a code of conduct and ethics that would cover commissioners and other elected officials, the county attorney, sheriff and auditor. Okay. Good vote, Mike.
In our discussion Mike outlined some guidelines he thinks should be in the policy. The behavior would actually need to be “unwelcome.” The victim needs to say “stop it.” And the charges need to be made within a certain time frame. That sounds fair.
Just remember the power differential. In a work relationship, the more powerful person is often unaware of his or her effect on workers down the chain-of-command. If you can have subordinates disciplined or fired, they’re liable to jump to comply even if your behavior or request is inappropriate, untimely or ridiculous. For the person down the ladder, it may seem very risky to question your behavior or say no to your request. Speaking truth to power isn’t easy.
County Administrator Dana Frey was asked by the commission to develop by October 10 a new policy that covers elected officials. The policy should fill in details about the many forms of sexual harassment and require harassment sensitivity workshops to ratchet up everybody’s understanding of appropriate boundaries.
Anyone who is a victim of sexual harassment needs to know that their employer will take their complaint seriously and won’t tolerate retaliation. Those who have done anything that could be considered sexual harassment need to understand that they could be disciplined— even lose their jobs.
It’s time to take off the blinders, toughen up and insist on policy that protects ourselves, the people we love and other members of our community.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007 Volume 18, Issue 38
County commissioner gets touchy over X-rated issues
By Nancy Jo Tubbs
Note to County Commissioner Mike Forsman: Lose the sunglasses. A white, middle class, middle-aged ex-Marine with a well paid job and powerful political position doesn’t get to claim victimhood.
By now you may know that Forsman showed up at the St Louis County Commissioners’ meeting in Duluth on September 4 wearing sunglasses after independent investigators recommended that two commissioners, Dennis Fink and Steve Raukar, be censured for violating the county’s sexual harassment policy. With Forsman voting for Raukar and Fink, the commission decided 3-3 in each case, not to censure the commissioners.
The reason for Forsman’s sunglasses: “Because I’m not smart enough to know when a glance turns into a look and a look turns into an ogle,” he told the Duluth News Tribune.
Okay, the difference between looking and ogling may be in the eye of the beholder, but in the case of Commissioner Raukar, the charges included unwelcome late night and 1 a.m. phone calls of a graphic sexual nature asking to come to the hotel room of a female county employee. (Raukar said they were just invitations to come down to his room for a drink, for which he has apologized to his family, the commission and the employee.) Forsman would have to stop using the phone to more accurately protest the charges against his fellow commissioner.
Mike and I graduated from high school together and both attend Democratic caucus meetings. I think he’s a good Iron Range representative, and we’re often on the same side of the political barricades, but at times we disagree. After a congenial two-hour conversation this past week in Mike’s kitchen and after reading the investigative reports listing charges against commissioners Raukar and Fink (which you can see at northernmnnews.com), this is one of those disagreements.
Mike, take off the sunglasses, buddy. From here they just look like blinders. The reasons Mike gives for voting against the censure are statements of old fashioned sexism seasoned by paranoia: The women sometimes wore short skirts and revealing tops. They were out to sucker in a couple of nice guys, nail them with harassment charges and come out of the deal with better jobs. Mike strongly believes harassment shouldn’t be tolerated—the kind where the guy is groping his secretary or chasing her around the desk—but he considers Raukar’s and Fink’s transgressions “benign.” Ellen Quinn, then county public information officer, who charged Raukar, isn’t a timid “poster child for sexual harassment,” Mike says, since he noted Ellen didn’t mind telling or hearing a dirty joke in mixed company, was known to aggressively chew out a secretary, and seemed like Raukar’s friend.
I thought we’d finished back in the ‘70s with the goofy reasoning that a woman’s short skirt is a green light for men’s bad behavior. (At the risk of irritating the sisterhood, I do think that women can be kind to their co-workers of both genders by dressing modestly so as not to distract the menfolk.) But, it’s a far stretch to believe that a sane person would go through the misery of bringing sexual harassment charges in the hopes of landing a better job.
“Anyone who has gone forward and actually said the words out loud—sexual harassment— should get the Purple Heart,” JoAnn Burns wrote in Minnesota Women’s Press about her experience as a whistleblower. “It’s lonely. Be prepared for heartache. Be prepared for everything you have done in your life to be dredged up. The company will want to make it look like you have no credibility—the bill you forgot to pay in 1980 will become an issue.”
About 50 members of a new group, We are Watching, showed up September 4 to protest the commissioners’ non-censure vote. Quinn spoke to them and others in the chamber.
“Ask yourself why anyone would bring forth false or trumped-up charges,” she said. “To endure a year-long ordeal, being called a liar and worse in the media, having one’s name exposed in the press? Through no fault of my own, my life will never be the same.”
The listeners applauded.
Forsman said the crowd was made up of folks who are not his constituents—but rather members of the Blue-Green Alliance and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees—who looked angry and intimidating.
“This reminds me of the mob mentality that lynched three black men in Duluth,” he said, playing the ultimate victim card. Enough, already, with the dramatizing!
When it came right down to a vote, a key factor for some was that the commissioners are elected officials to whom county employee policies don’t apply. The commission subsequently voted unanimously to develop a code of conduct and ethics that would cover commissioners and other elected officials, the county attorney, sheriff and auditor. Okay. Good vote, Mike.
In our discussion Mike outlined some guidelines he thinks should be in the policy. The behavior would actually need to be “unwelcome.” The victim needs to say “stop it.” And the charges need to be made within a certain time frame. That sounds fair.
Just remember the power differential. In a work relationship, the more powerful person is often unaware of his or her effect on workers down the chain-of-command. If you can have subordinates disciplined or fired, they’re liable to jump to comply even if your behavior or request is inappropriate, untimely or ridiculous. For the person down the ladder, it may seem very risky to question your behavior or say no to your request. Speaking truth to power isn’t easy.
County Administrator Dana Frey was asked by the commission to develop by October 10 a new policy that covers elected officials. The policy should fill in details about the many forms of sexual harassment and require harassment sensitivity workshops to ratchet up everybody’s understanding of appropriate boundaries.
Anyone who is a victim of sexual harassment needs to know that their employer will take their complaint seriously and won’t tolerate retaliation. Those who have done anything that could be considered sexual harassment need to understand that they could be disciplined— even lose their jobs.
It’s time to take off the blinders, toughen up and insist on policy that protects ourselves, the people we love and other members of our community.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
More Comments from Readers
VH said...
This kind of behavior continues to be disappointing and obviously demonstrates the importance of continuing to pay attention to what is actually happening not only at the Board meetings, but at the workshops as well!
Thanks to those who continue to "watch"
September 19, 2007 7:52 PM
Anonymous said...
And, ever the gentleman, Mr. Fink the following day commented to Sweeney in the hall at the courthouse, "About the book throwing, if I had meant to hit you, I wouldn't have missed." Always a class act!
September 20, 2007 2:47 PM
Delete
Anonymous said...
Anonymous said...
Mr. Fink does not get it. He just does not understand that his behavior is the problem. He's making other people's lives miserable and he does not seem to care.
He perceives this as something that can be handled by a policy. He wants to distance it from him and make it clean and cold and someone else's problem.
It's not someone else's problem
It's Dennis Fink's problem and he cannot seem to grasp that regardless of whether he feels something he has done is rude or intimidating or crude - if the person on the receiving end perceives it so, then it is.
Peg Sweeney may decide to let it go and get along, it would be understandable, but still stressful for her. Mr. Fink's assistant got sick of being called "foxy" and being leered at and called into his office for no reason and now she's moved across the hall and he's got a new assistant coming.
Perhaps Mr. Fink has to get along or be put in an off site location where he cannot offend. Why should others have to be moved around to suit him? It's costing the taxpayers a great deal of money to deal with this.
September 20, 2007 9:08 PM
Delete
This kind of behavior continues to be disappointing and obviously demonstrates the importance of continuing to pay attention to what is actually happening not only at the Board meetings, but at the workshops as well!
Thanks to those who continue to "watch"
September 19, 2007 7:52 PM
Anonymous said...
And, ever the gentleman, Mr. Fink the following day commented to Sweeney in the hall at the courthouse, "About the book throwing, if I had meant to hit you, I wouldn't have missed." Always a class act!
September 20, 2007 2:47 PM
Delete
Anonymous said...
Anonymous said...
Mr. Fink does not get it. He just does not understand that his behavior is the problem. He's making other people's lives miserable and he does not seem to care.
He perceives this as something that can be handled by a policy. He wants to distance it from him and make it clean and cold and someone else's problem.
It's not someone else's problem
It's Dennis Fink's problem and he cannot seem to grasp that regardless of whether he feels something he has done is rude or intimidating or crude - if the person on the receiving end perceives it so, then it is.
Peg Sweeney may decide to let it go and get along, it would be understandable, but still stressful for her. Mr. Fink's assistant got sick of being called "foxy" and being leered at and called into his office for no reason and now she's moved across the hall and he's got a new assistant coming.
Perhaps Mr. Fink has to get along or be put in an off site location where he cannot offend. Why should others have to be moved around to suit him? It's costing the taxpayers a great deal of money to deal with this.
September 20, 2007 9:08 PM
Delete
Comments from readers
Anonymous said...
What I cannot believe is that this is not getting more coverage in our local media (did you see anything in the paper?) Until more residents tune themselves in to what is happening with the Board, I suppose this behavior will continue. Dennis Fink has obviously not learned a thing from the recent investigation into his other conduct and clearly thinks that any "rules" of acceptable behavior in a civil society do not apply to him.
Kudos to this blog for "watching"!
September 22, 2007 4:23 PM
Delete
Anonymous said...
Fink's behavior is beyond childish--it's getting a little dangerous. I hope this issue gets in to the letters to the editor section of the paper at the very least. There should be NO tolerance of this kind of temper tantrum. In what business place would such antics be acceptable?
September 23, 2007 1:58 PM
Delete
What I cannot believe is that this is not getting more coverage in our local media (did you see anything in the paper?) Until more residents tune themselves in to what is happening with the Board, I suppose this behavior will continue. Dennis Fink has obviously not learned a thing from the recent investigation into his other conduct and clearly thinks that any "rules" of acceptable behavior in a civil society do not apply to him.
Kudos to this blog for "watching"!
September 22, 2007 4:23 PM
Delete
Anonymous said...
Fink's behavior is beyond childish--it's getting a little dangerous. I hope this issue gets in to the letters to the editor section of the paper at the very least. There should be NO tolerance of this kind of temper tantrum. In what business place would such antics be acceptable?
September 23, 2007 1:58 PM
Delete
Friday, September 21, 2007
Peg Sweeney Stands for Dignity
Channel 10 News Reports tonight that Peg Sweeney has requested that Dennis Fink be reprimanded by the St. Louis County board for his inappropriate and rude behavior at Tuesday's County Board Workshop. As reported below, Dennis Fink threw a book at County Commissioner Sweeney. His only reported comment on the matter was directed to Peg Sweeney the next day and he is quoted as saying "If I'd meant to hit you I would have."
There is great support for Peg in the community, and we applaud your dignified response. You are in a good position to demand respectful treatment for all members at all times. No individual should be permitted to intimidate or devalue anyone else who is a representative of any other district, any employee of the county, nor any citizen.
Where is the line these people must cross before the others rise up and say enough?
There is great support for Peg in the community, and we applaud your dignified response. You are in a good position to demand respectful treatment for all members at all times. No individual should be permitted to intimidate or devalue anyone else who is a representative of any other district, any employee of the county, nor any citizen.
Where is the line these people must cross before the others rise up and say enough?
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Another Letter to the Editor Regarding Sexual Harrassment
Readers’ views for Sept. 19
Duluth News Tribune
Published Wednesday, September 19, 2007
County Board has duty to lead against harassment
This letter is to express my dismay at the recent situation regarding sexual harassment complaints against two county commissioners (“County will craft code,” Sept. 5).I have worked for ending violence against women since 1978 and have seen the progress our community has made in the past 30 years.
While there still is work to do, domestic violence and sexual assault are no longer acceptable. State and community agencies have adopted policies against sexual harassment and sexual exploitation and have provided training for their staff on these issues. Duluth and the Iron Range have become known as international models on community response to violence against women. People travel from around the world to learn about this work.
Imagine my surprise when I read articles in the newspaper that indicate some of our county commissioners don’t seem to know what sexual harassment is. It is time for our elected officials to adopt and enforce the same sexual harassment policies that most public and private agencies are required to have.
I assume that St. Louis County commissioners are good people with good hearts or they wouldn’t have been elected. I ask that they do the right thing now, accept responsibility, apologize and attend sexual harassment training. There are many experts in our area who can provide the much-needed training on this issue. The County Board should serve as a model of respect and cooperation that others strive to emulate.
I appreciate that some commissioners understand the gravity of this situation and I thank Commissioners Peg Sweeney, Steve O’Neil and Bill Kron for taking a stand against sexual harassment.
Coral McDonnell
Duluth
Duluth News Tribune
Published Wednesday, September 19, 2007
County Board has duty to lead against harassment
This letter is to express my dismay at the recent situation regarding sexual harassment complaints against two county commissioners (“County will craft code,” Sept. 5).I have worked for ending violence against women since 1978 and have seen the progress our community has made in the past 30 years.
While there still is work to do, domestic violence and sexual assault are no longer acceptable. State and community agencies have adopted policies against sexual harassment and sexual exploitation and have provided training for their staff on these issues. Duluth and the Iron Range have become known as international models on community response to violence against women. People travel from around the world to learn about this work.
Imagine my surprise when I read articles in the newspaper that indicate some of our county commissioners don’t seem to know what sexual harassment is. It is time for our elected officials to adopt and enforce the same sexual harassment policies that most public and private agencies are required to have.
I assume that St. Louis County commissioners are good people with good hearts or they wouldn’t have been elected. I ask that they do the right thing now, accept responsibility, apologize and attend sexual harassment training. There are many experts in our area who can provide the much-needed training on this issue. The County Board should serve as a model of respect and cooperation that others strive to emulate.
I appreciate that some commissioners understand the gravity of this situation and I thank Commissioners Peg Sweeney, Steve O’Neil and Bill Kron for taking a stand against sexual harassment.
Coral McDonnell
Duluth
Incident at Commissioners Workshop Sept. 17
To express their opinions and views Mike Forsman waxes poetic about diesels and Dennis Fink uses electrical analogies. I find myself also harking back to my profession while observing the September 18th board of commissioners' Workshop at the Public Works building. As an educator, I gather a lot of information from observations. I would have happily handed out stickers for effort in what appeared to be a civil and even at times informed discussion about environmental practices of the various branches of county government. Apparently some of those boys did their homework.
I was less than pleased with some of the nonverbal demeaning expressions and occasional whispering between a couple of individuals. Perhaps a little talk out in the hallway could have dealt with that irksome behavior. But I really would assign an essay to Dennis Fink (100 words or less) titled, "A Better Way Than Throwing a Booklet at a Peer to Express an Idea" as a result of his harsh words and good aim in responding to a Peg Sweeney comment.
Oh, and the strategy of all strategies in a classroom: I would definitely work out a different seating arrangement.
Phyllis Mead
I was less than pleased with some of the nonverbal demeaning expressions and occasional whispering between a couple of individuals. Perhaps a little talk out in the hallway could have dealt with that irksome behavior. But I really would assign an essay to Dennis Fink (100 words or less) titled, "A Better Way Than Throwing a Booklet at a Peer to Express an Idea" as a result of his harsh words and good aim in responding to a Peg Sweeney comment.
Oh, and the strategy of all strategies in a classroom: I would definitely work out a different seating arrangement.
Phyllis Mead
Monday, September 17, 2007
Ely Timberjay Letters to the Editor
Monday, September 17, 2007 Volume 18, Issue 37
Forsman making a mockery of sexual harassment
By Letter to the editor from Carol Orban- Ely, Minn.
I'm surprised that no one else has written a letter pointing out Mike Forsman's dubious contribution to the ongoing conflicts among the St. Louis County Board of Commissioners.
Mr. Forsman voted against censuring either Commissioner Fink or Commissioner Raukar. Not only does Mr. Forsman not understand the seriousness of sexual harassment, he has made a mockery of it.
I met for an hour with Mike Forsman and have read both the redacted April and July reports on the Commissioner Raukar sexual harassment incident and the minutes of the meeting at which the censure of Raukar was voted down before the final report was even submitted.
First of all, he does not believe that the board should have any oversight role by which to police its members. In effect, he does not seem to think commissioners need to answer to anyone except their constituents next election time. He doesn't think a censure should happen, period, no matter what the circumstances. This gives commissioners� aides and assistants basically no recourse, as they would have if a county employee were the alleged perpetrator.
Second, did I say Mike doesn't get it? He does not understand that sexual harassment is a bona fide problem in the workplace. The gall to wear sunglasses to a public meeting as some kind of statement that he doesn't want to be accused of ogling. Even worse is for him to compare the group of concerned citizens who came to the Sept. 4 meeting to a lynch mob. Oh, c'mon. It's downright embarrassing. It's also troubling. That's a slap in the face of democratic principles.
It's true that sexual harassment is often difficult to prove because it is usually done in secret and doesn't leave the kind of evidence that remains after a crime. However, all workplaces are required to have policies and procedures by which allegations can be investigated and perpetrators can be dealt with. Both Raukar and Fink received due process. For a few county commissioners to kill any further action through a procedural technicality is unacceptable, and Mike Forsman was more than happy to go along with it.
I am glad that the commissioners have agreed to draft a code of ethics for elected county officials. I hope we all pay attention as this process moves forward.
Forsman making a mockery of sexual harassment
By Letter to the editor from Carol Orban- Ely, Minn.
I'm surprised that no one else has written a letter pointing out Mike Forsman's dubious contribution to the ongoing conflicts among the St. Louis County Board of Commissioners.
Mr. Forsman voted against censuring either Commissioner Fink or Commissioner Raukar. Not only does Mr. Forsman not understand the seriousness of sexual harassment, he has made a mockery of it.
I met for an hour with Mike Forsman and have read both the redacted April and July reports on the Commissioner Raukar sexual harassment incident and the minutes of the meeting at which the censure of Raukar was voted down before the final report was even submitted.
First of all, he does not believe that the board should have any oversight role by which to police its members. In effect, he does not seem to think commissioners need to answer to anyone except their constituents next election time. He doesn't think a censure should happen, period, no matter what the circumstances. This gives commissioners� aides and assistants basically no recourse, as they would have if a county employee were the alleged perpetrator.
Second, did I say Mike doesn't get it? He does not understand that sexual harassment is a bona fide problem in the workplace. The gall to wear sunglasses to a public meeting as some kind of statement that he doesn't want to be accused of ogling. Even worse is for him to compare the group of concerned citizens who came to the Sept. 4 meeting to a lynch mob. Oh, c'mon. It's downright embarrassing. It's also troubling. That's a slap in the face of democratic principles.
It's true that sexual harassment is often difficult to prove because it is usually done in secret and doesn't leave the kind of evidence that remains after a crime. However, all workplaces are required to have policies and procedures by which allegations can be investigated and perpetrators can be dealt with. Both Raukar and Fink received due process. For a few county commissioners to kill any further action through a procedural technicality is unacceptable, and Mike Forsman was more than happy to go along with it.
I am glad that the commissioners have agreed to draft a code of ethics for elected county officials. I hope we all pay attention as this process moves forward.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Letters to the Editor in DNT
There have been a number of recent letters to the Editor in the Duluth News Tribune related to the conduct of members of the County Board. Here are some:
County Board members must be held accountable
As a woman, a former employee of St. Louis County and a resident of St. Louis County, I am almost at a loss for words regarding two recent actions — or, more accurately, inactions — of the County Board pertaining to sexual harassment complaints by two female county employees (“Ford investigates complaints against two commissioners,” May 23).
First, there was the investigation of Commissioner Steve Raukar for allegedly having made sexually explicit phone calls to a county employee. The investigative report recommended he be censured, but Commissioners Keith Nelson, Dennis Fink and Mike Forsman voted down the idea (“Reprimand of Raukar fails on tie board vote,” Aug. 8).
RELATED CONTENT
Duluth News Tribune Web Icon Sept. 13: More readers’ views
Then there was a report by the county that found “some factual support” for allegations by another county employee against Commissioner Dennis Fink, accusing him of engaging in “harassing behavior” (“Fink faces accusations of improper comments and stares,” Aug. 16). Raukar joined Forsman and Nelson in voting against the resolution to censure Fink.
What kind of message does this send to the voters and citizens of St. Louis County, never mind employees who are subjected to this kind of conduct?
I’m fortunate to be represented by Commissioner Steve O’Neil, but this does not give me much comfort, given the present makeup of the County Board and its obvious disregard for women (and men) of conscience in this county.
At the County Board’s meeting on Sept. 4, county residents who have been watching these events and saying to themselves, “I should do something,” did. We launched a watchdog campaign in the hopes of prompting more accountability and civility from the seven-member County Board (“Board gets a watchdog,” Sept. 4).
In the words of Martin Luther King, Jr.: “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” County residents cannot be silent on this issue.
Kathy Heltzer
Duluth
The writer is an organizer of the We Are Watching group.
AND ANOTHER (FROM NORTHERN SLC)
Time to rein in county’s ‘good ol’ boys’ club’
I want to commend the News Tribune on its excellent coverage of the sexual harassment complaints against two St. Louis County commissioners (“County will craft code,” Sept. 5). At the same time, the situation is very sad and troublesome.
Commissioners Steve O’Neil, Bill Kron and Peg Sweeney voted correctly that action of some sort be taken. The remaining commissioners were very wrong in their votes to do nothing. As residents, it’s important we support the Program for Aid to Victims of Sexual Assault in its appearance before the St. Louis County Board on Sept. 4 to rectify the lack of a harassment policy that includes elected officials.
Residents should call their county commissioner and demand dignity and justice. The “good ol’ boys’ club” must end.
Dennis Frazier
Zim
AND ANOTHER:
Forsman’s sophomoric outlook was insulting
After St. Louis County Commissioner Mike Forsman appeared at a County Board meeting wearing sunglasses and declaring he is “not smart enough to know when a glance turns into a look and a look turns into an ogle,” I found myself wondering if he, indeed, is smart enough to oversee the county’s business (“Board gets a watchdog,” Sept. 4).
I am insulted as a resident and as a woman by Forsman’s childish response to the very serious issue of sexual harassment, which recently has come to light (“Ford investigates complaints against two commissioners,” May 23).
Forsman’s smart-aleck attitude was something I’d expect from a high school sophomore, not a county commissioner. He should be ashamed of himself, and he should try wearing a dunce cap, instead of the sunglasses, to the next County Board meeting.
Judith Cherveny
Duluth
AND ANOTHER:
Forsman made untenable connection to lynching
The Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial Inc. board is appalled by County Commissioner Mike Forsman’s comments that the investigation of alleged sexual harassment charges against fellow commissioners reminded him of “the mob mentality that lynched three black men in Duluth” (“County will craft code,” Sept. 5).
There is no comparison between the lawful collection of evidence to define specific incidents such as sexual harassment and the extrajudicial actions of a lynch mob that murdered three innocent young men. We who have studied the 1920 lynching consider attempts to draw any parallel as a serious misinterpretation of the heinous crimes against Elias Clayton, Elmer Jackson and Isaac McGhie and of the historical impact of lynching on black people.
We call on our elected officials to demonstrate accountability, integrity and character when questioned on existing organizational policy regarding workplace harassment, rather than plead persecution. We urge all citizens to educate themselves about an atrocity that wounded our community in ways that have yet to be healed. The Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial board members, and the organization’s Web site and discussion guide, all are available as resources, as is Michael Fedo’s book, “The Lynchings in Duluth,” and the memorial plaza at First Street and Second Avenue East.
Treasure Jenkins
County Board members must be held accountable
As a woman, a former employee of St. Louis County and a resident of St. Louis County, I am almost at a loss for words regarding two recent actions — or, more accurately, inactions — of the County Board pertaining to sexual harassment complaints by two female county employees (“Ford investigates complaints against two commissioners,” May 23).
First, there was the investigation of Commissioner Steve Raukar for allegedly having made sexually explicit phone calls to a county employee. The investigative report recommended he be censured, but Commissioners Keith Nelson, Dennis Fink and Mike Forsman voted down the idea (“Reprimand of Raukar fails on tie board vote,” Aug. 8).
RELATED CONTENT
Duluth News Tribune Web Icon Sept. 13: More readers’ views
Then there was a report by the county that found “some factual support” for allegations by another county employee against Commissioner Dennis Fink, accusing him of engaging in “harassing behavior” (“Fink faces accusations of improper comments and stares,” Aug. 16). Raukar joined Forsman and Nelson in voting against the resolution to censure Fink.
What kind of message does this send to the voters and citizens of St. Louis County, never mind employees who are subjected to this kind of conduct?
I’m fortunate to be represented by Commissioner Steve O’Neil, but this does not give me much comfort, given the present makeup of the County Board and its obvious disregard for women (and men) of conscience in this county.
At the County Board’s meeting on Sept. 4, county residents who have been watching these events and saying to themselves, “I should do something,” did. We launched a watchdog campaign in the hopes of prompting more accountability and civility from the seven-member County Board (“Board gets a watchdog,” Sept. 4).
In the words of Martin Luther King, Jr.: “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” County residents cannot be silent on this issue.
Kathy Heltzer
Duluth
The writer is an organizer of the We Are Watching group.
AND ANOTHER (FROM NORTHERN SLC)
Time to rein in county’s ‘good ol’ boys’ club’
I want to commend the News Tribune on its excellent coverage of the sexual harassment complaints against two St. Louis County commissioners (“County will craft code,” Sept. 5). At the same time, the situation is very sad and troublesome.
Commissioners Steve O’Neil, Bill Kron and Peg Sweeney voted correctly that action of some sort be taken. The remaining commissioners were very wrong in their votes to do nothing. As residents, it’s important we support the Program for Aid to Victims of Sexual Assault in its appearance before the St. Louis County Board on Sept. 4 to rectify the lack of a harassment policy that includes elected officials.
Residents should call their county commissioner and demand dignity and justice. The “good ol’ boys’ club” must end.
Dennis Frazier
Zim
AND ANOTHER:
Forsman’s sophomoric outlook was insulting
After St. Louis County Commissioner Mike Forsman appeared at a County Board meeting wearing sunglasses and declaring he is “not smart enough to know when a glance turns into a look and a look turns into an ogle,” I found myself wondering if he, indeed, is smart enough to oversee the county’s business (“Board gets a watchdog,” Sept. 4).
I am insulted as a resident and as a woman by Forsman’s childish response to the very serious issue of sexual harassment, which recently has come to light (“Ford investigates complaints against two commissioners,” May 23).
Forsman’s smart-aleck attitude was something I’d expect from a high school sophomore, not a county commissioner. He should be ashamed of himself, and he should try wearing a dunce cap, instead of the sunglasses, to the next County Board meeting.
Judith Cherveny
Duluth
AND ANOTHER:
Forsman made untenable connection to lynching
The Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial Inc. board is appalled by County Commissioner Mike Forsman’s comments that the investigation of alleged sexual harassment charges against fellow commissioners reminded him of “the mob mentality that lynched three black men in Duluth” (“County will craft code,” Sept. 5).
There is no comparison between the lawful collection of evidence to define specific incidents such as sexual harassment and the extrajudicial actions of a lynch mob that murdered three innocent young men. We who have studied the 1920 lynching consider attempts to draw any parallel as a serious misinterpretation of the heinous crimes against Elias Clayton, Elmer Jackson and Isaac McGhie and of the historical impact of lynching on black people.
We call on our elected officials to demonstrate accountability, integrity and character when questioned on existing organizational policy regarding workplace harassment, rather than plead persecution. We urge all citizens to educate themselves about an atrocity that wounded our community in ways that have yet to be healed. The Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial board members, and the organization’s Web site and discussion guide, all are available as resources, as is Michael Fedo’s book, “The Lynchings in Duluth,” and the memorial plaza at First Street and Second Avenue East.
Treasure Jenkins
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
A poster commented
Anonymous said...
I cannot believe that I live in a day and age when men who believe they have a little power because of their elected position will take advantage of others who they percieve to be inferior. I liken this to what others have called "a good old boys" club. There are many professional, intelligent and respectful people in St Louis County(men and women, in Duluth and on the Iron Range) who feel that the actions of these "men" are absurd and sad. I hope that the code of ethics does what it is supposed to but I am afraid that these so-called officials are fundamentally flawed and cannot be fixed by a code of conduct. It makes me sad to see that our local government has been hindered by the actions of these few people.
September 11, 2007 7:30 PM
I cannot believe that I live in a day and age when men who believe they have a little power because of their elected position will take advantage of others who they percieve to be inferior. I liken this to what others have called "a good old boys" club. There are many professional, intelligent and respectful people in St Louis County(men and women, in Duluth and on the Iron Range) who feel that the actions of these "men" are absurd and sad. I hope that the code of ethics does what it is supposed to but I am afraid that these so-called officials are fundamentally flawed and cannot be fixed by a code of conduct. It makes me sad to see that our local government has been hindered by the actions of these few people.
September 11, 2007 7:30 PM
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Almanac North
County Commissioners appeared on Almanac North to discuss the current situation. Commissioners Nelson and Forsman defended their positions and portrayed the situation as a union activity.
Commissioner O'Neil spoke truthfully and gave hope for progress in formulating a code of ethics that all would abide by.
They gave a phone number for public comment.
Almanac North 728-0070
Call and tell them what you think of the County Commissioners
Commissioner O'Neil spoke truthfully and gave hope for progress in formulating a code of ethics that all would abide by.
They gave a phone number for public comment.
Almanac North 728-0070
Call and tell them what you think of the County Commissioners
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Residents speak out to county board-Ely Timberjay
It looks like the "We are Watching" campaign is getting some coverage in the Ely area as well...maybe Commissioner Forsman will get some calls and e-mails from voters in his district...we can only hope! Here is the article from the Timberjay:
Saturday, September 08, 2007 Volume 18, Issue 36
Residents speak out to county board
By Marshall Helmberger
There were more angry words at this week’s St. Louis County board meeting, but in the end commissioners found agreement on the need for better behavior from the county’s elected officials.
St. Louis County commissioners voted unanimously on Tuesday to direct the county administrator to work with other elected county officials to draft a code of ethics. The board gave County Administrator Dana Frey until Oct. 10 to report back on his progress. Currently, county ethics rules apply only to employees of the county, but not to elected officials.
The vote came following an at times contentious county board meeting during which as many as 50 county residents turned out to voice their frustrations with the board and its handling of recent sexual harassment complaints against Dennis Fink and Steve Raukar.
The residents were part of a newly-formed organization calling itself “We Are Watching,” whose mission is to increase public awareness and involvement over county decision-making. Members of the group wore scarlet A’s during the meeting, to underscore their desire for accountability from the board and they called for a code of ethics for commissioners.
Group spokesperson Kathy Heltzer, a UMD employee, said frustration with the board has been building for months, but that the board’s refusal to take action on harassment reports was “the straw that broke the camel’s back.” “We felt it was a matter of social justice. We just can’t sit by anymore,” she said. Heltzer said the group hoped to improve the level of debate at the county board. “We’re not attacking anyone, but we want to raise the bar, to be more civil.”
The group has also launched a new website at www.northernmnnews.com that will provide updates on county board actions. The website also provides links to two recently completed county investigations into allegations against Raukar and Fink.
If the group hoped to tone down the rhetoric at board meetings, at least one commissioner wasn’t willing to follow along. Commissioner Mike Forsman lobbed several verbal grenades during the day, at various points referring to the new organization as a “mob,” and accusing three fellow commissioners of serving as puppets for the AFSCME union, which represents many county employees. Forsman also said he recognized some members of the newly-formed group, who he said were part of a blue-green coalition that has supported progressive Democrats at DFL conventions. Forsman said many of them appeared angry and he said he was fearful at times for his safety during Tuesday’s board meeting. He said the group shared the same mentality that led to the lynching of three black men in Duluth in the early 1900s. “Maybe I’m being paranoid, but I saw a mob in front of me,” he said in an interview on Wednesday.
Commissioner Steve O’Neil said he found the group respectful, even though some members were clearly upset. O’Neil said most in the group were older women. “It wouldn’t be a group I’d be fearful of,” he said.
But Forsman’s fears have prompted other unusual actions— such as wearing sunglasses whenever he’s in Duluth. Forsman, who charged Tuesday that county government has become hostile to white men, says he’s wearing the glasses to protect himself from false charges that he might be ogling women.
“It’s a safety thing,” said Forsman. “When I’m in Duluth where the blue-green coalition and AFSCME are based, I’m worried they may use something like that against me because I’m not following their agenda.”
O’Neil said he’s seen no indication that AFSCME has taken any interest at all in the sexual harassment issue. “They’ve never spoken to me about it or been present at any meetings on it,” said O’Neil. Neither of the women who filed the actual harassment complaints were members of a union. “I really don’t know what Commissioner Forsman is talking about,” O’Neil said.
Forsman’s actions left others perplexed as well. He drew fire from fellow board members for wearing the sunglasses and his comments likening citizens addressing the county board to a lynch mob, were panned in a Duluth News-Tribune editorial on Wednesday.
Kevin Skwira-Brown, a St. Scholastica instructor and member of We Are Watching, said Forsman’s comments reflect the kind of language that has raised concerns with many in his group. “When a commissioner accuses others of being puppets when they stand up for human rights, or a mob that lynches people, we’re really getting off track,” he said.
Skwira-Brown said the tone of the county board has become the issue, not disagreements among board members. “There have been some simplistic attempts to frame this as a north-south division or a union issue. I think all of that is really unfortunate as well as inaccurate. I believe people across the county share a desire for greater decency,” he said. “I think this is an opportune time to raise expectations about how we conduct dialogue.”
Saturday, September 08, 2007 Volume 18, Issue 36
Residents speak out to county board
By Marshall Helmberger
There were more angry words at this week’s St. Louis County board meeting, but in the end commissioners found agreement on the need for better behavior from the county’s elected officials.
St. Louis County commissioners voted unanimously on Tuesday to direct the county administrator to work with other elected county officials to draft a code of ethics. The board gave County Administrator Dana Frey until Oct. 10 to report back on his progress. Currently, county ethics rules apply only to employees of the county, but not to elected officials.
The vote came following an at times contentious county board meeting during which as many as 50 county residents turned out to voice their frustrations with the board and its handling of recent sexual harassment complaints against Dennis Fink and Steve Raukar.
The residents were part of a newly-formed organization calling itself “We Are Watching,” whose mission is to increase public awareness and involvement over county decision-making. Members of the group wore scarlet A’s during the meeting, to underscore their desire for accountability from the board and they called for a code of ethics for commissioners.
Group spokesperson Kathy Heltzer, a UMD employee, said frustration with the board has been building for months, but that the board’s refusal to take action on harassment reports was “the straw that broke the camel’s back.” “We felt it was a matter of social justice. We just can’t sit by anymore,” she said. Heltzer said the group hoped to improve the level of debate at the county board. “We’re not attacking anyone, but we want to raise the bar, to be more civil.”
The group has also launched a new website at www.northernmnnews.com that will provide updates on county board actions. The website also provides links to two recently completed county investigations into allegations against Raukar and Fink.
If the group hoped to tone down the rhetoric at board meetings, at least one commissioner wasn’t willing to follow along. Commissioner Mike Forsman lobbed several verbal grenades during the day, at various points referring to the new organization as a “mob,” and accusing three fellow commissioners of serving as puppets for the AFSCME union, which represents many county employees. Forsman also said he recognized some members of the newly-formed group, who he said were part of a blue-green coalition that has supported progressive Democrats at DFL conventions. Forsman said many of them appeared angry and he said he was fearful at times for his safety during Tuesday’s board meeting. He said the group shared the same mentality that led to the lynching of three black men in Duluth in the early 1900s. “Maybe I’m being paranoid, but I saw a mob in front of me,” he said in an interview on Wednesday.
Commissioner Steve O’Neil said he found the group respectful, even though some members were clearly upset. O’Neil said most in the group were older women. “It wouldn’t be a group I’d be fearful of,” he said.
But Forsman’s fears have prompted other unusual actions— such as wearing sunglasses whenever he’s in Duluth. Forsman, who charged Tuesday that county government has become hostile to white men, says he’s wearing the glasses to protect himself from false charges that he might be ogling women.
“It’s a safety thing,” said Forsman. “When I’m in Duluth where the blue-green coalition and AFSCME are based, I’m worried they may use something like that against me because I’m not following their agenda.”
O’Neil said he’s seen no indication that AFSCME has taken any interest at all in the sexual harassment issue. “They’ve never spoken to me about it or been present at any meetings on it,” said O’Neil. Neither of the women who filed the actual harassment complaints were members of a union. “I really don’t know what Commissioner Forsman is talking about,” O’Neil said.
Forsman’s actions left others perplexed as well. He drew fire from fellow board members for wearing the sunglasses and his comments likening citizens addressing the county board to a lynch mob, were panned in a Duluth News-Tribune editorial on Wednesday.
Kevin Skwira-Brown, a St. Scholastica instructor and member of We Are Watching, said Forsman’s comments reflect the kind of language that has raised concerns with many in his group. “When a commissioner accuses others of being puppets when they stand up for human rights, or a mob that lynches people, we’re really getting off track,” he said.
Skwira-Brown said the tone of the county board has become the issue, not disagreements among board members. “There have been some simplistic attempts to frame this as a north-south division or a union issue. I think all of that is really unfortunate as well as inaccurate. I believe people across the county share a desire for greater decency,” he said. “I think this is an opportune time to raise expectations about how we conduct dialogue.”
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Ethical Code of conduct important
An ethical code of conduct is important for all people in any part of a society...respect for gender, respect for economic status, respect for cultural differences, respect for age differences, respect for intellectual differences. Intimidation and harassment cause ugly situations. We need a positive environment to work and play in, to gain the respect of other Minnesotans. Have we not learned from the lessons of the movie "North Country"?? CW
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
September 4th County Board Meeting in Duluth
Today we had many people attend the County Board Meeting in Duluth and speak to the Board regarding our concerns with respect to the sexual harassment investigations and their lack of respect for each other, as well as their constituents in recent months. The Duluth News Tribune had an excellent article this morning that folks should take a look at http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/
It is especially important that folks continue to monitor these meetings, as well as contact their county commissioners to let them know that "We Are Watching"!
It is especially important that folks continue to monitor these meetings, as well as contact their county commissioners to let them know that "We Are Watching"!
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Commissioners Budget Meeting Today
Mary said...
Today at the Budget Workshop, after a question from a commissioner about which jail needed improvements to comply with ADA (Americans with Disabilities), Commissioner Mike Forsman from Ely laughed and said, "that's the sexual harassment jail."
It appears to me that there is a concerted effort on the part of some commissioners to minimize the sexual harassment issue and turn it into crude humor.
August 30, 2007 8:17 PM
Today at the Budget Workshop, after a question from a commissioner about which jail needed improvements to comply with ADA (Americans with Disabilities), Commissioner Mike Forsman from Ely laughed and said, "that's the sexual harassment jail."
It appears to me that there is a concerted effort on the part of some commissioners to minimize the sexual harassment issue and turn it into crude humor.
August 30, 2007 8:17 PM
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Workshops Very Important ! A point made by a contributor
Anonymous said...
It's even more important to have observers at the Board workshops than at County Board meetings. The regular meetings are taped and shown on public television. The Board workshops are SUMMARIZED in minutes, but some Board members are regularly disrespectful to their staff and one another in these sessions, knowing that there is no record of their behavior.
August 25, 2007 9:45 PM
It's even more important to have observers at the Board workshops than at County Board meetings. The regular meetings are taped and shown on public television. The Board workshops are SUMMARIZED in minutes, but some Board members are regularly disrespectful to their staff and one another in these sessions, knowing that there is no record of their behavior.
August 25, 2007 9:45 PM
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Article from Duluth News Tribune
Report flags loophole in St. Louis County harassment policy
Lee Bloomquist Duluth News Tribune
Published Thursday, August 23, 2007
St. Louis County declined in 1998 to investigate an employee’s allegation of sexual harassment against Commissioner Steve Raukar, according to an investigative report on a complaint against Raukar this year. The county clearly took the position nine years ago that complaints against county commissioners would not be investigated or commissioners disciplined, the report said.
However, the report concluded, county employees are entitled to protection from sexual harassment by third parties, no matter who the alleged harassers are.
In the wake of recent sexual harassment complaints against two commissioners, Raukar and Dennis Fink, some have expressed concern that there is no harassment policy for elected county officials.
RELATED CONTENT
Duluth News Tribune Talk About It Icon Talk: Should St. Louis County commissioners be subject to a harassment policy? Why or why not?
Duluth News Tribune PDF Icon Raukar investigation
Duluth News Tribune PDF Icon Fink investigation
Lee Bloomquist Archive
“If there is no policy in place and there is no recourse, then something is very wrong with the system,” said Candice Harshner, executive director of the Duluth-based Program for Aid to Victims of Sexual Assault. “If this [the 2007 allegation] hadn’t been investigated, none of us would have known what allegedly happened.”
In 1998, Alan Mitchell was county attorney and Julie Brunner was county administrator. Brunner, now executive director of Minnesota Council of Health Plans, said she doesn’t remember a sexual harassment complaint from 1998. If she had received one, though, she would have referred it to the county attorney, she said.
Mitchell, contacted on his way back from a motorcycle trip out West this week, said he doesn’t recall a complaint being made against Raukar in 1998. However, if a complaint were made, it was county policy that the complaint not be directed to the county attorney, he said.
“If there was a complaint, it would not have been made to me, but to civil service,” said Mitchell.
Tony Bruno, the county’s civil service director and affirmative action officer in 1998, said his office would have looked into a complaint had one been received.
“Of course we would have,” said Bruno. “The alleged complaint was made to Julie Brunner. It was never made to the civil service. Whatever happened between Julie and the complainant, I don’t know, because it was never brought to me. If there was a complaint, it should have been brought to me, but no complaint was brought to civil service in 1998 — either written or verbal.”
Report: Employees due protection
Although county commissioners aren’t subject to the county sexual harassment policy, county employees are entitled to the protection of the policy, said the report, issued in July. Commissioners can be investigated and subject to discipline at least to the same extent as other third parties, clients, spouses, customers and suppliers, according to the report, written by investigator Elizabeth Storaasli, a Duluth lawyer.
Storaasli represented their incoming County Attorney Melanie Ford this year in a suit challenging her salary and budget reductions after defeating Mitchell last fall.
Ellen Quinn, the county’s public information officer, confirmed to the News Tribune this week that she made an oral report to Brunner in 1998 of an alleged sexual harassment incident involving Raukar.
Quinn said she is also the employee who filed a complaint against Raukar in February following an early morning phone call he made to her in a hotel room on an out-of-town trip. Storaasli’s investigation into that complaint found that Raukar “engaged in sexual harassment in the form of verbal contact by telephone including sexual advances or propositions.”
Quinn said she is gratified that action was taken on her 2007 complaint.
“I appreciate the courage Melanie Ford displayed in bringing these things forward, particularly early in her term,” she said.
commissioners answer to voters
Over the past two weeks commissioners have decided on split votes not to censure or discipline Raukar or Fink. Some commissioners say that as elected officials, they and the county attorney, auditor and sheriff historically haven’t been subject to the county’s policy prohibiting discrimination, harassment and retaliation. Though they receive full-time paychecks from the county, some commissioners say they’re subject to the will of the voters.
Commissioner Keith Nelson said the votes not to censure Fink or Raukar aren’t a reflection of the seriousness of the allegations but of the current county policy.
“Should there be a code of ethics for elected officials? Yes,” Nelson said. “I absolutely have always believed that. But should we have a policy that is retroactive and looks like the employees’ [policy]? No.”
Harshner said the County Board should have a code of conduct and ethics.
“I would think that anybody should be [subject to a harassment policy],” she said. “If you work anywhere in the county, they are all in the same workplace. Saying you’re not subject to it is like saying that county employees aren’t protected by commissioners if something like this happens.”
According to the 2007 investigation report:
Raukar allegedly called a county employee one afternoon when he was at a conference in 1998 and said, “We should go out and have a few drinks and go dancing.”
A day later, the employee received a call from a person who also was at the conference, saying that Raukar had asked that person, using crude language, whether he had had sex with the employee Raukar called on the phone. The woman said she reported the remark to county officials. Raukar said he had no recollection of such a conversation and said it did not happen.
However, the report said the record confirms the conversations and that Raukar’s alleged telephone call and alleged statements in 1998 constituted sexual advance and unwanted verbal contact about body or appearance.
Raukar could not be reached for comment Tuesday or Wednesday.
Victims’ advocates concerned
According to the report, all county commissioners were informed of a sexual harassment training session in 2004. Commissioner Peg Sweeney was the only commissioner to attend the training, according to the report.
Mitchell was a strong supporter of the Program to Aid Victims of Sexual Assault during his tenure and in his recent re-election bid, as is Ford, Harshner said. But representatives of the group plan to appear at the Sept. 4 County Board meeting in Duluth to express their concern, she said.
“Any time you have allegations of sexual harassment, it concerns us a lot,” she said. “It’s disconcerting to have these allegations out there, much less to have them substantiated.”
Commissioner Bill Kron, chairman of the board, said he plans Sept. 11 to reintroduce a measure that would implement a code of conduct and ethics for all county employees, including elected officials.
Board members would be asked to sign it on a voluntary basis because, Kron said, a future board can’t be bound by a current policy. All county employees will be asked to read and sign the code of conduct, which would include a provision against sexual harassment.
LEE BLOOMQUIST can be reached weekdays at (800) 368-2506, (218) 744-2354 or by e-mail at lbloomquist@duluthnews.com.
http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/articles/index.cfm?id=48698§ion=News
Lee Bloomquist Duluth News Tribune
Published Thursday, August 23, 2007
St. Louis County declined in 1998 to investigate an employee’s allegation of sexual harassment against Commissioner Steve Raukar, according to an investigative report on a complaint against Raukar this year. The county clearly took the position nine years ago that complaints against county commissioners would not be investigated or commissioners disciplined, the report said.
However, the report concluded, county employees are entitled to protection from sexual harassment by third parties, no matter who the alleged harassers are.
In the wake of recent sexual harassment complaints against two commissioners, Raukar and Dennis Fink, some have expressed concern that there is no harassment policy for elected county officials.
RELATED CONTENT
Duluth News Tribune Talk About It Icon Talk: Should St. Louis County commissioners be subject to a harassment policy? Why or why not?
Duluth News Tribune PDF Icon Raukar investigation
Duluth News Tribune PDF Icon Fink investigation
Lee Bloomquist Archive
“If there is no policy in place and there is no recourse, then something is very wrong with the system,” said Candice Harshner, executive director of the Duluth-based Program for Aid to Victims of Sexual Assault. “If this [the 2007 allegation] hadn’t been investigated, none of us would have known what allegedly happened.”
In 1998, Alan Mitchell was county attorney and Julie Brunner was county administrator. Brunner, now executive director of Minnesota Council of Health Plans, said she doesn’t remember a sexual harassment complaint from 1998. If she had received one, though, she would have referred it to the county attorney, she said.
Mitchell, contacted on his way back from a motorcycle trip out West this week, said he doesn’t recall a complaint being made against Raukar in 1998. However, if a complaint were made, it was county policy that the complaint not be directed to the county attorney, he said.
“If there was a complaint, it would not have been made to me, but to civil service,” said Mitchell.
Tony Bruno, the county’s civil service director and affirmative action officer in 1998, said his office would have looked into a complaint had one been received.
“Of course we would have,” said Bruno. “The alleged complaint was made to Julie Brunner. It was never made to the civil service. Whatever happened between Julie and the complainant, I don’t know, because it was never brought to me. If there was a complaint, it should have been brought to me, but no complaint was brought to civil service in 1998 — either written or verbal.”
Report: Employees due protection
Although county commissioners aren’t subject to the county sexual harassment policy, county employees are entitled to the protection of the policy, said the report, issued in July. Commissioners can be investigated and subject to discipline at least to the same extent as other third parties, clients, spouses, customers and suppliers, according to the report, written by investigator Elizabeth Storaasli, a Duluth lawyer.
Storaasli represented their incoming County Attorney Melanie Ford this year in a suit challenging her salary and budget reductions after defeating Mitchell last fall.
Ellen Quinn, the county’s public information officer, confirmed to the News Tribune this week that she made an oral report to Brunner in 1998 of an alleged sexual harassment incident involving Raukar.
Quinn said she is also the employee who filed a complaint against Raukar in February following an early morning phone call he made to her in a hotel room on an out-of-town trip. Storaasli’s investigation into that complaint found that Raukar “engaged in sexual harassment in the form of verbal contact by telephone including sexual advances or propositions.”
Quinn said she is gratified that action was taken on her 2007 complaint.
“I appreciate the courage Melanie Ford displayed in bringing these things forward, particularly early in her term,” she said.
commissioners answer to voters
Over the past two weeks commissioners have decided on split votes not to censure or discipline Raukar or Fink. Some commissioners say that as elected officials, they and the county attorney, auditor and sheriff historically haven’t been subject to the county’s policy prohibiting discrimination, harassment and retaliation. Though they receive full-time paychecks from the county, some commissioners say they’re subject to the will of the voters.
Commissioner Keith Nelson said the votes not to censure Fink or Raukar aren’t a reflection of the seriousness of the allegations but of the current county policy.
“Should there be a code of ethics for elected officials? Yes,” Nelson said. “I absolutely have always believed that. But should we have a policy that is retroactive and looks like the employees’ [policy]? No.”
Harshner said the County Board should have a code of conduct and ethics.
“I would think that anybody should be [subject to a harassment policy],” she said. “If you work anywhere in the county, they are all in the same workplace. Saying you’re not subject to it is like saying that county employees aren’t protected by commissioners if something like this happens.”
According to the 2007 investigation report:
Raukar allegedly called a county employee one afternoon when he was at a conference in 1998 and said, “We should go out and have a few drinks and go dancing.”
A day later, the employee received a call from a person who also was at the conference, saying that Raukar had asked that person, using crude language, whether he had had sex with the employee Raukar called on the phone. The woman said she reported the remark to county officials. Raukar said he had no recollection of such a conversation and said it did not happen.
However, the report said the record confirms the conversations and that Raukar’s alleged telephone call and alleged statements in 1998 constituted sexual advance and unwanted verbal contact about body or appearance.
Raukar could not be reached for comment Tuesday or Wednesday.
Victims’ advocates concerned
According to the report, all county commissioners were informed of a sexual harassment training session in 2004. Commissioner Peg Sweeney was the only commissioner to attend the training, according to the report.
Mitchell was a strong supporter of the Program to Aid Victims of Sexual Assault during his tenure and in his recent re-election bid, as is Ford, Harshner said. But representatives of the group plan to appear at the Sept. 4 County Board meeting in Duluth to express their concern, she said.
“Any time you have allegations of sexual harassment, it concerns us a lot,” she said. “It’s disconcerting to have these allegations out there, much less to have them substantiated.”
Commissioner Bill Kron, chairman of the board, said he plans Sept. 11 to reintroduce a measure that would implement a code of conduct and ethics for all county employees, including elected officials.
Board members would be asked to sign it on a voluntary basis because, Kron said, a future board can’t be bound by a current policy. All county employees will be asked to read and sign the code of conduct, which would include a provision against sexual harassment.
LEE BLOOMQUIST can be reached weekdays at (800) 368-2506, (218) 744-2354 or by e-mail at lbloomquist@duluthnews.com.
http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/articles/index.cfm?id=48698§ion=News
Meeting on Tuesday, September 4th at 9:30
Kathy Heltzer said...
We are hoping that many people will attend the Board meeting on Tuesday, September 4th at 9:30am at the Courthouse in Duluth. It is important that citizens (voters) voice their concerns with respect to the recent actions by the Board regarding the sexual harassment investigations.
August 24, 2007 7:39 PM
We are hoping that many people will attend the Board meeting on Tuesday, September 4th at 9:30am at the Courthouse in Duluth. It is important that citizens (voters) voice their concerns with respect to the recent actions by the Board regarding the sexual harassment investigations.
August 24, 2007 7:39 PM
Friday, August 24, 2007
Laws Regarding Counties
http://ros.leg.mn/bin/getpub.php?pubtype=STAT_CHAP&year=2006§ion=375
The laws regarding recall and impeachment are in here
The laws regarding recall and impeachment are in here
Upcoming County Commissioners Meeting
9:30 courthouse on Thursday August 30th
Budget Workshop
This is a workshop, they don't take formal action but often informally get a sense of who's on what side.
These meetings need observers.
Budget Workshop
This is a workshop, they don't take formal action but often informally get a sense of who's on what side.
These meetings need observers.
St. Louis County Official Website
http://www.co.st-louis.mn.us/slcportal/SiteMap/HomePage/tabid/53/Default.aspx
This is the one that's current.
This is the one that's current.
St. Louis County Official Website
http://www.co.st-louis.mn.us/slcportal/SiteMap/HomePage/tabid/53/Default.aspx
This is the one that's current.
This is the one that's current.
The Full Reports on Raukar and Fink
www.northernmnnews.com
http://northernmnnews.com/Fink%20Investigation.pdf
http://northernmnnews.com/Raukar%20Investigation.pdf
http://northernmnnews.com/Fink%20Investigation.pdf
http://northernmnnews.com/Raukar%20Investigation.pdf
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