by Ron Gregory
ronjgregory@gmail.com
MADISON — When a new Assessor was elected in Boone County last November, did it trigger at least one employee dismissal as “political retaliation”?
That’s the question many opponents and even passive observers of the courthouse scene are asking after newly-elected Democrat Assessor Scotty D. Cook terminated the services of Chief Deputy Assessor Susan “Susie” Baisden.
In a process that apparently took longer than simply having the new Assessor sit down with Baisden and eliminate her upon his arrival in the office on January 3, it appears she was officially let go the past Friday.
The termination comes even after the Boone County Commission met, recommended that Baisden remain in office and assured Cook sufficient funds are available to pay her salary.
Those who believe the firing was done as political retaliation cite the fact that Baisden was a candidate in the Democrat primary, losing to Cook by 3,283 to 2,146. The long-time chief deputy announced her candidacy during the January 2016 filing period after her then-boss, Assessor Jennings Miller, chose to seek election as Sheriff. Miller had served previous terms as Sheriff and took on incumbent Sheriff Randall White in the May primary. White won that race, 3,536 to 2,029.
“They are showing their political clout,” said one courthouse observer who asked to remain anonymous. “They (White and Cook) feel like they won in May, so they have a right to smack the other side — particularly Jennings and Susie.”
From the day Cook won the nomination, rumors circulated throughout the courthouse that Baisden would be fired. She has said that she made every effort to remain productive and would have “done my job just like I always did, no matter who was Assessor.”
Most courthouse sources, including members of the County Commission, have acknowledged that Baisden “is the most knowledgeable person we’ve ever had in that office. That’s no disrespect to Jennings. Susie just knows all about the responsibilities and day-to-day operations. Scotty would have been wise to keep her.”
Those close to Baisden say she has consulted with a local attorney. “She will probably file suit for political retaliation. That’s one thing you can’t do.”
After the County Commission essentially voted for Baisden to remain in the Assessor’s position, Commissioner Mickey Brown said “an attorney researched the whole matter for us.” Only Commissioners Eddie Hendricks and Craig Bratcher were present and voted on the Baisden matter. Brown was absent from that meeting.
Brown said the attorney primarily cited West Virginia Code 7-7-7 in addressing the matter. That section of Code appears to make all county employees co-employees of the County Commission but seems to leave hiring and firing practices to the individual elected official involved. Brown said he expects the full Commission will address the situation when they meet again on February 21.
In the meantime, Baisden is apparently without a salary at least. “The payroll people told her Friday that Scottie won’t allow her to be paid,” said a close friend. “So, I guess she was working for free.”
There is at least one other disgruntled Boone courthouse worker – Rachel Stevens who was in the County Clerk Office. In the May Democrat primary, challenger Roger Toney defeated incumbent Clerk Gary Williams, 3,314 to 2,035. When Toney assumed office in January, he apparently discharged Stevens. She is said to be considering a lawsuit as well.
The Chronicle will monitor and report future developments.