Public official severance terms prompt contract scrutiny
The article argues city managers and county administrators work at the pleasure of the board and can receive nearly a year of severance unless convicted of a crime. It cites Ottawa’s Weldon Padgett case, urges broader grounds for termination, and calls Kansas at will employment to protect taxpayers from costly payouts. It urges reform of contract language before hiring new leaders.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Ottawa
Weldon Padgett
Kansas
Former interior deputy secretary pleads guilty to obstruction
Tom Beaver, Muscogee (Creek) Nation, writes about the DOJ release noting James Griles faces a light sentence for obstructing a Senate probe into Indian trust fund corruption. He questions accountability and urges broader investigations into Gonzales and the Cobell case, highlighting alleged mismanagement and calls for jail for those involved.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Department of Justice
Interior
U.S. Senate
Abramoff
James Steven Griles
Department of the Interior
Griles
Americ Tan
Alice 5. Fisher
Chip Burrus
FBI Criminal Investigative Division
FBI
Alberto Gonzales
Department
Cobell
Attorney General
Gonzales
United States
Cobel Trust
Justice Department
Tom Beaver
Kansas
Tom
Beaver
Reorganization a painful but necessary sacrifice
A Williamsburg High School alumnus and West Franklin resident argues that consolidation is necessary to save money, noting the shared classes and transportation between Pomona and Williamsburg students. He recalls teaching in local districts and predicts the new West Franklin High School will remain small with benefits his family valued.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Williamsburg High School
West Franklin
Pomona
Appanoose
Appanoosé
Pomona High School
Williamsburg
West Franklin High School
WHS
PHS
Readers urge support for West Franklin reconfiguration plan
A letter to the Ottawa Herald urges backing the West Franklin School reconfiguration plan. The writer, a Pomona parent, supports supporters Lisa Reece, Nancy Reed, Dave McClain, Chuck Campfield, and Bobby Sims, and warns against overturning the plan due to potential budget cuts. They emphasize maintaining vocational classes, electives, sports, arts, and drama opportunities for students.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Lisa Reece
Nancy Reed
Dave McClain
Chuck Campfield
Bobby Sims
Outrageous county administrator contract sparks outrage
A reader condemns a proposed county administrator contract that grants near absolute power over county operations. The plan includes a 90000 salary with 10 percent into retirement, KPERS eligibility after year, potential buyout of service time paid by the county, 425 monthly car allowances with no receipts, a home computer and printer, and sole decision authority over daily operations. The writer questions the five commissioners’ role and whether they should sign the deal.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
KPERS
Kansas Public Employees Retirement System
Ottawa Herald Readers Letters Policy and Submission Rules
The Ottawa Herald invites letters of 250 words or less to the Readers' Forum. Include name address and daytime phone. Letters may be edited for length and clarity. One reader letter per month may be linked. Form letters poems consumer complaints and business testimonials will not be printed.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
The
Ottawa Herald
S. Cedar
Ottawa
Ottawaherald
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Geen
Ralph Harris
Caw Iris
Harris Group
Ota’ Herald
Jeanny Sharp
Gordon Billingsley
Gordon
Ottawaherald.com
Franklin County
Onawa
Linda Brown
Kathy Miller
Krmiller
Bill Gray
Tim Millbem
Attay. Vanerald.com
Spedar
Seu
Beaver Lodge
Jim Cain
Pomona High
Tos
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