WHIDBEY NEWS-TIMES: Oak Harbor legal staff leaving, citing ‘compromised’ working relationships

Two members of the City’s legal department have resigned, citing a “compromised working relationship” with City Administrator Blaine Oborn and HR Director Emma House. City Attorney Grant Weed and Assistant City Attorney and Public Records Officer Anna Thompson both resigned the same day. For the details, see the writeup by Emily Gilbert in the Whidbey News-Times.

Former Public Works Director Cathy Rosen and former City Engineer Joe Stowell filed a hostile work environment lawsuit last year against the city that accused Severns, Oborn and House of unethical or unprofessional behavior.

The city has seen significant staff turnover in the last two years. The directors of the finance, development services, public works, parks, city attorney and streets, maintenance and facilities departments have all changed since late 2019. Many of those who departed had served the city for decades. Staff from engineering, building permitting and the police department have also left.

They Said It

Councilmember Jeffrey Mack: “I’m shocked, and I don’t quite know what to make of it.”

Councilmember Joel Servatius said he was concerned about the resignations and called for an executive session to discuss the issue.

Councilmember Jim Woessner said “it’s another resignation, and I think we have to understand totally what’s going on – if this is just another one, or if this is something indicative of what we’re hearing from the other staff members who left.”

[Mayor Bob] Severns acknowledged there were several facets as to why Weed decided to leave early, but was tight-lipped. “There’s a lot of reasons, probably, but I don’t think I should go into any of those,” the mayor said in an interview.

On the Ballot in November 2021 – Oak Harbor City Councilmembers:

• Position 4 – Dan Evans vs Stephanie “Fe” Mischo – Incumbent Erica Wasinger not running
• Position 5 – Incumbent Joel Servatius vs Shane Hoffmire
• Position 6 – Incumbent Jim Woessner running unopposed
• Position 7 – Andy Plumlee vs Bryan Stucky – Incumbent Millie Goebel not running