Statement from the Jefferson County Democrats Relating to Commissioners’ Absences
Commissioners Tricia Jackson and Jennifer Krouse each receive a $45,000 a year salary. They are welcome to draw insurance benefits in addition to their salaries. The Jefferson County
Commission typically meets every other week. Seems like a pretty good gig, right? A livable wage and insurance for a couple meetings a month. Yet, Commissioners Jackson and Krouse have chosen to not report to work for the last five meetings. Refusing to show up for work is typically a fireable offense for everyday workers, but apparently not for County Commissioners.
Thanks to Commissioners Jackson and Krouse, Jefferson County cannot:
- provide representation for the citizens of the Charles Town District by appointing a new Commissioner to Clare Ath’s former seat, which she resigned over four months ago.
- approve the close out of completed estates, so loved ones can receive their inheritance.
- hire or promote law enforcement officials, office staff, or potential employees for any county job.
- receive a $200,000 grant for traffic safety.
- receive a $114,000 grant for victim support staff and programs through the Prosecutor’s Office.
- begin the process to hire a new County Administrator (the third this calendar year).
Additionally, payroll checks are being cut to employees even though it violates the financial policy put in place by the County Clerk, Sheriff, and Commission earlier this year, which specifies that payments must be approved by the County Commission.
Further, while County employees are unsure how much longer they can receive their salaries, Commissioner Jackson has been traveling around West Virginia campaigning for higher office and Commissioner Krouse has been seen at community social events.
It’s time for Commissioners Tricia Jackson and Jennifer Krouse to do their jobs, show up for work, and put the needs of our County residents over their own petty disagreements with other elected officials.
Commissioners, we repeat, DO YOUR JOBS!
