After numerous attempts by citizens to inform and correct commission violations of procedure and state law, the San Juan County Commission has literally snubbed concerned citizens and has even refused the counsel of the County Attorney, Kendall Laws. Last week, prior to this latest meeting, Commissioners Maryboy and Greyeyes completely marginalized Commissioner Adams by purposefully excluding this duly elected official…
Letter to the Editor, first published by the San Juan Record
Shanon Brooks
An Angry, Rude Racist
Calling it rudeness or anger or racism doesn’t change the fact that the San Juan County Commission literally has no idea what Utah law is nor do they appear to care (with the exception of Commissioner Adams). It is all there in the video of the May 7th meeting (Youtube – search San Juan County Meeting). I encourage you to watch all 5 ½ hours. (You can view the video at the end of this article)
The May 7th Deseret News article entitled “San Juan County Hires New County Administrator in Violation of Utah Open Meetings Law,” clearly shows the misconduct of this commission.
After numerous attempts by citizens to inform and correct commission violations of procedure and state law, the San Juan County Commission has literally snubbed concerned citizens and has even refused the counsel of the County Attorney, Kendall Laws. Last week, prior to this latest meeting, Commissioners Maryboy and Greyeyes completely marginalized Commissioner Adams by purposefully excluding this duly elected official of county district #1, from the process of interviewing and contracting with David Everitt. Whether this was considered an “open” or “closed” meeting, a quorum cannot meet without first giving the other members of the political body ample notice. This did not happen and this meeting was held in secret. A violation of state law.
Not only has this commission dismissed the established HR policies of this county, they have not considered any other candidates for the position of County Administrator. Everitt was hired illegally by resolution on Tuesday May 7, 2019 by the San Juan County Commission. The voting in this case was Adams against this resolution and both Maryboy and Greyeyes for the resolution.
During this same meeting, the commission violated Utah Code Title 52 Chapter 4, the Open and Public Meetings Act by violating Title 52-4-202-6c, intentionally changing the agenda in the meeting and not providing proper notice to the public. All this over the strong objections of citizens and even the County Attorney.
I have been called rude and cruel and racist because I demand that we follow proper procedure and Utah law in our commission meetings—with commissioners who happen to be Navajo. Apparently, it’s not politically correct to demand excellence from elected officials if they are from a minority, (of course in this case they are actually the majority). Since when is following the law and expecting others—especially elected officials—to do the same, considered racist?
Yes, I admit that I am demanding of the County Commission, because I expect elected officials, and especially those receiving over $80,000 in salary and benefits, to know what they are doing and to faithfully obey the law.
I offer a compromise to the San Juan County Commission. You want me to be nice? Obey the law. You want me to stop calling you on every infraction? Stop violating the law.
If you will stop your mistreatment of concerned citizens, especially those who disagree with you, I promise to be kind and gentle. It is all up to you.
Deal?
Shanon Brooks is a submarine veteran of the Cold War, the author of AMERICAN: Killing the American Dream, and the founder and president of Monticello College.
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18 USC section 242, this law applies to anyone, including county commissioners, who attempt to, or do deprive someone of their statutory or constitutional rights . Check out the FBI’s website on it, also applies to judges. Allen D Hall