Letters to the Editor
How Unprofessional
Following newspapers reports on the dispute between the Geauga County Auditor Chuck Walder and Probate/Juvenile Court Judge Timothy Grendell, the Court Administrator, Kimberly Laurie, saw fit to engage with people on Facebook, using her personal Facebook account, during working hours.
When I questioned her about this, she stated, “I am the Court’s media contact, which includes social media.” I have obtained a copy of the job description for Court Administrator and it does NOT include being the Court’s media contact or engaging on Facebook during working hours.
As a taxpayer, I am appalled that a public servant who makes $100,000 annually is spending work time that I have paid for on Facebook, using her personal Facebook account. How unprofessional.
Based on annual reports, the Probate/Juvenile Court’s administration expenses have gone from $987,903.76 in 2010 (under Judge Chip Henry) to $1,483,623.10 in 2018 (under Judge Grendell). That more than a 50 percent increase. What are we getting for this extra money? Social media engagement?
Unfortunately, what we are getting is an overpaid, underqualified Court Administrator. Under Judge Henry, the Court Administrator was an experienced attorney with a J.D. I’m speculating, but I seriously doubt that he spent time during his workday monitoring social media.
The current Court Administrator, Ms. Laurie, who has a B.A. in psychology, had no experience or training in law or court administration prior to being hired as budget coordinator/county liaison in 2015, at a cost to taxpayers of $52,000 annually (raised to $60,000 less than four months after she was hired). And now, at $100,000 annually, she spends work time on Facebook and in the Auditor’s office. Who is administering our court?
Looks to me like Judge Grendell is paying big money to an unqualified political appointee. No wonder patronage employee Ms. Laurie has trouble following the rules for providing sufficient evidence to the County Auditor to support payment of public money to vendors.
Shelley Chernin
Russell Township
Get Involved
In your recent article listing me as a member of a group of friends and inferring possible conflict. I wish to make you aware of my involvement in my community.
Yes, I presently serve on the Chester Planning Committee (CPC) and the Chester Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA). I volunteered to serve on the CPC; no one asked me.
I am also a member of Business Referral Network (instrumental in formation) over 10 years ago, and have served at my voting precinct as a poll worker for over 43 years, never missing an election — primary, special or general.
I am very active in Chesterland Rotary for over 24 years, served as president and the last five years have designed and organized Winterfest (community event) with Rotary.
Last year, I organized the USO “Fill the Cruiser” event, which is now, l am pleased to say, an annual gathering for our deployed troops.
Among other involvement has been WG Community Communication Committee, member of Chester Chamber of Commerce and served as secretary, Girl Scout leader, 4-H advisor and served on Chesterland 4-day celebration in 1981.
We moved to Chesterland many years ago and a neighbor told me to get involved.
This is my community and my involvement is because I want the best for it. If I was not involved, I would not feel I could offer my opinions. You need to hear voices, listen and weigh their words. If I could not offer suggestions with facts and insight, I would be part of the problem.
I feel it is irresponsible for the writer to infer individuals who regularly and routinely volunteer are corrupting the community. Maybe that is why there is a decline in volunteering.
Reena Kanner
Chester Township
Bergant Led with Purpose
Mr. Joe Bergant served students and educational communities well during his whole educational career. As a superintendent in Chardon Schools, as a band director and in many other capacities, Mr. Bergant led with purpose, listening to the Chardon staff and to the greater Chardon community. Joe led all the while maintaining a leadership style that focused on personal relationships and a ready smile.
This leadership style supported him through Chardon’s tragic history in the recent past while he in turn supported us. Joe unselfishly extended his time in Chardon Schools to bridge the gap between trauma and hope.
Pat and I wish to extend our heart-felt condolences to Wendy and the whole Bergant family. Joe Bergant’s legacy in Chardon shines as a true memorial to him.
Sheldon Firem
Hambden Township
