Commissioner Emily Clouse told Thurston County Manager Leonard Hernandez earlier this month that she bought a gun to protect herself. That prompted Hernandez to send a memo about workplace concerns related to Clouse to all county commissioners, including Commissioner-Elect Rachel Grant, but not to Clouse.
The memo led to a vague but ominous commissioner discussion Monday and pushback from Clouse.
Hernandez’s Dec. 16 memo details concerns stemming from Clouse’s Dec. 13 comment about buying a gun as well as recommendations for improving county safety in the event of an active shooter. The memo also describes a communication breakdown between Hernandez and Clouse, low morale among county staff, and worries about the county’s reputation.
The Olympian obtained a copy of the memo after the commissioners had a cursory discussion about it during an open meeting Monday. The exchange raised questions about the contents of the memo and county security.
When reached for comment, Clouse said Hernandez’ memo “misrepresents the tone and substance” of their Dec. 13 conversation and she takes gun safety seriously.