Editor, Gazette Journal:

By way of a majority vote, the Gloucester Board of Supervisors passed a motion to terminate the employment of County Administrator Carol Steele; a rather abrupt and hasty decision considering that Ms. Steele had already informed the board of her plans to retire in 2027; giving the county enough time to recruit for her position and to assist in the transition of a new hire.

A very professional, proactive gesture but not surprising as you may also have known Carol as the Director of Parks and Recreation; where she worked for years to close gaps in services and programming to families through onsite, after-school programs. Given her sustained, outstanding job performance evaluations, as well as her reputation as a team player; the optics of this board’s decision is not good.

I have several examples of decisions challenged by citizens, but one in particular comes to mind because we acted. In a BOS firing, also of a County Administrator, he was also fired without notice. Subsequently, we formed a coalition and we filed a FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) request for review of possible procedural errors and omissions such not providing required notice when of a “closed session” meeting (of two or more board members), as well as the purpose and transcripts of the meeting.

We also filed on behalf of concerned citizens due to board actions that undermined “transparency and accountability”; specifically, when the Board refused to answer our questions about their actions. The matter was still under FOIA review when the terminated employee sought employment elsewhere.

Some questions/concerns are: 1. Why wasn’t the decision to fire Carol preemptively aborted?; 2. Was this a last-minute financial decision necessary to balance the budget?; 3. What will be the impact on the morale and quality of workplace of other county employees?; 4. How will this decision benefit or enhance our county and its citizens, and finally; 5. How can citizens help our elected representatives cultivate a culture of increased transparency, accountability and compassion?

Perhaps a citizens leadership forum might be a start.

Pam Douglas
Gloucester, Va.