PHILLIPS: A golden employee

I and some of my past co-workers in the Elections Office were shocked and saddened to read of Ms. Phillips “being asked to leave/resigning” from the Elections Office. The intent of the following comments are to share our personal and business relationship with Carrie while working under her management of the Kootenai County Elections Department.

Our observations of Ms. Phillips while working under her direction were as follow:

Carrie’s integrity and professionalism was above reproach at all times. She set the tone in the work environment as one of consistency and adherence to the rules set out in the policy/procedure manual, while always impressing upon us that service to the citizens of Kootenai County were a priority at all times. Her demeanor was always one of courtesy and respect to all.

She referred to each and every ballot as “a piece of gold.” Ms. Phillips made it very clear that politics was never to be discussed in the work place.

When there were horror stories in the media of elections in other places, the citizens of Kootenai County could be assured of our department’s squeaky clean reputation under Carrie’s leadership.

The above comments come from three temporary/seasonal Election employees. Simply stated, we worked in the Election Office only immediately before, during and following any election. We have 70-plus years of experience in county government both here and in our previous careers.

With that said, we fail to understand why Carrie was forced to resign and the manner in which it was handled by County Clerk Jim Brannon. She deserved better, Mr. Brannon.

To Carrie: It was our honor to be associated with you and we wish you success in the career path you take.

JOANNE EARLE

CHRISTY FRANCIS

CAROL PARR