Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and to remove all doubt. — often attributed to Abraham Lincoln
If I had to distill my desire to provide a discourse on local politics down to a single sentiment it would be bringing clarity and balance to the force. But despite my keen perception of the obvious, reasonable clarity, and best efforts, some folks – particularly politicians – insist on not only missing the entire point, but somehow interpreting a column in a manner that strains the bounds of even a post-COVID reality.
This time it was the column on the confrontation/non-push between treasurer Chris Lauzen and his former director of financial operations, Carrollyn Brady, who, until May 1, toiled 17 years for that office.
To cover old ground, Lauzen ill-advisedly attacked Brady’s investment choices throughout his campaign creating a great deal of animosity between the two that finally erupted in an office showdown and Brady walking away with a $46,000 severance package. Three separate sources said Lauzen “shoved” Brady during that exchange, and though minor physical contact was made, even the poor-quality office videotape clearly showed there was no push.
One of my County board sources also told me the entire board was aware of this fracas, likely because they knew about it, but as it turns out, the majority of that unruly gaggle learned about it from my column.
I know I can’t be held accountable for elected officials who insist upon on flying off the reasonability rails at the slightest provocation, but it pains me whenever one of those nitwits co-opts my prose for political purposes, particularly when they do it poorly. My head is already sore enough from regularly banging it against the wall in the post-COVID era.
That said, it should come as no surprise that the current column misinterpretation comes at the hands of one of the usual suspects, County board vice-chair Vern Tepe. For reference purposes, among other bizarre proclamations, Vern publicly admonished his compatriots for their fear of raising taxes. All I can say is I can’t figure out how Mr. Tepe manages to dress himself every morning.
In that column I clearly outlined that, rather than let the antipathy fester, Lauzen should’ve parted ways with Ms. Brady during his first week in office. I further explained it’s not uncommon for a newly elected official to bring in his or her own top staffers. You have to be careful about creating an expertise deficit and the whole patronage/nepotism thing, but no elected official should be forced to endure their predecessor’s legacy.
But much to my dismay, despite covering those bases in detail, shortly after reading that column, Tepe asked a board subcommittee the following questions:
What really happened? Was this employee targeted for dismissal by the treasurer? Has the treasurer committed malfeasance of office? Is this a continuing pattern of abuse by an individual? Is this yet another instance where Lauzen is accused of harassment, intimidation, and demotion? Regardless, this is despicable behavior.
Since turnabout is fair play, I have a few questions for Vern!
Did you ever consider speaking with the state’s attorney about the legalities involved BEFORE you opened your big mouth and removed all doubt? Did you discuss this with the treasurer BEFORE resorting to BS political grandstanding? And please tell me, what the heck is “malfeasance of office?” It sounds like something Archie Bunker would say. Did you even watch the video BEFORE you made any accusations?
And lastly, Vern, do you ever listen to yourself talk, because if you did, you’d tune yourself out just like everyone else does. Oh! It gets better, too!
After his insipid rant, Tepe pounded his fist on the table and called for a special prosecutor to investigate Lauzen’s “despicable behavior” because the state’s attorney’s office couldn’t be impartial because they also represent the treasurer, board, and all county employees.
Oh, my bleepin’ lord!
Vern just loves to spend your money doesn’t he? A special prosecutor would cost at least four times Brady’s severance package and it would change nothing. Wouldn’t you think the county board vice chair would make the minimal effort to understand the process before he made a fool of himself?
But all is not lost, Dear Raeder! Considering my vast charm and magnanimous nature, I will be happy to point out the error of Mr. Tepe’s ways.
As far as “what really happened,” watch the goddamn tape and then you’ll know what really happened. If I could get it two days you could likely get it in one. It doesn’t matter if she was targeted for dismissal, because as I keep trying to tell you bleeps – to no avail, mind you – elected officials have the right to replace their top staffers at will. They don’t even need to provide a reason for their dismissal.
Though it made me laugh out loud, the legal term is “official misconduct,” not “malfeasance of office,” and if you bothered to take the time to look it up, you would’ve swiftly noted it wasn’t the case here. As to Lauzen’s track record, you weren’t able to come up with another instance of “despicable behavior” as you so ineloquently put it.
Lastly, when you asked for a special prosecutor, I truly hope the state’s attorney gave it all due consideration and then she laughed right in your face.
As previously indicated, I don’t begin to agree with Lauzen’s approach to Brady, and the fact that this whole thing blew up in his face tends to give my theory credence. But for Tepe to try to turn it into a lynching – of Brady and Lauzen – is so far beyond the pale that I’m convinced he’ll be buck naked at the next county board meeting.
The irony is, that prospect isn’t nearly as terrifying as the vice-chair threatening to open his mouth again.
