To New Hopes and MCACC volunteers. As you know, the contract you signed said you could be subjected to suspension or termination of your contract if you made any comments that cast the county in a negative or false light. Many of you have told me you would speak at a BOS meeting if you did not fear repercussions per that portion of your contract. I proposed to the Board of Supervisors that that portion of your contract violated your constitutional right to freedom of speech, as well as whistle blower laws, and had no business being in your contract. After the MCACC director told me they have never terminated or suspended anyone for saying anything negative because he knew it would violate your freedom of speech, I asked him to remove it. He declined. I asked him why he would want a comment in the contract that contradicts his own understanding that suspending or terminating a contract because someone cast the county in a negative light would be unconstitutional, and all he offered was to ask those who had signed that same contract if they had anything negative to say regarding that threat being in their contract. I assume you see the irony, and that meeting wouldnt have been till November. With that being unacceptable, and having given him a chance to agree to remove it, I took the issue to the Board of Supervisors. Im happy to say they agreed with my proposal, and I have just received the revised contract. That portion under #16 is entirely removed. It now only says CONTRACTORS shall conduct themselves in a professional and courteous manner at all times when dealing with COUNTY, its officers, departments, employees, and agents. Thats a very fair expectation. I hope those of you who have tried and failed to get certain changes made through the director and staff, OR have observed or experienced unacceptable behaviors or occurances, will now be willing to share your concerns with the Board of Supervisors, without fear of any repercussions. Next BOS meeting is 9 a.m. at 205 W. Jefferson on Wednesday, September 24, followed by October 8, and October 22.
Posted on: Sat, 13 Sep 2014 18:48:21 +0000
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