More than four months after Whatcom County Council formed an investigative committee to review how the county handles sexual harassment claims and payouts, little has been officially revealed. That could potentially change by the next council meeting on September 24, with the three-member committee saying the report is close to being complete.
Weeks of political turmoil ensued after an April story by Cascade PBS revealed sexual harassment allegations from multiple female employees against former public works director Jon Hutchings, legal payouts just under the amount to trigger council oversight, and a glowing letter of recommendation for Hutchings – now working for the city of Lynden – signed by county executive Satpal Sidhu.
Multiple community groups demanded Sidhu’s resignation and council quickly formed a committee to investigate holes in the county’s oversight process.
The committee, made up of councilmembers Ben Elenbaas, Todd Donovan and council chair Barry Buchanan, began drafting the investigation’s findings before the council adjourned for summer recess, and gave an update during the council committee of the whole on September 10.
During that meeting, the committee said its findings – a five-six page report – would be made available to council in the coming weeks, and then made public shortly after.
Councilmember Jon Scanlon said he was anxious to see the findings.
“I’m ready to see what it is that you all have and what you recommend,” Scanlon said. “I think it’s time.”
No members of the committee responded to interview requests by The Northern Light.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here