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wow wrote on Nov 19, 2008 10:02 AM:
The local lawyers wouldn't touch a case like this,get a pro if you're going to start something like this. The Portland Computer techs walked into such a mess it was a embarrassment to the county. Commissioner Stufflebean cleaned some house. He's made improvements in technical processes that increase producttivity by having specialized computer individuals come in. There's alot of technophobia at the court house. If the people there can't get along,work together,advance with the technical times then look for work elsewhere. Bob Main is going to put us back into the dark ages. How long has there been "issues" in his dept.? He couldn't take care of one dept. The commissioners job is to do what's best for the county and if you think you can do better then step up. You're not going to make friends and you're going to find out it's hard then it looks. Everyone has a opinion about the commissioners, our commissioners have shown sound judgement,careful evaluation of the issues and act in the best interest of the county. I don't always agree with them,that's life and I can deal with that.
Al the Pal wrote on Nov 10, 2008 12:02 PM:
With the exception of those offices in the Annex, I think the whole place should be investigated.
Hound Dog wrote on Nov 4, 2008 5:56 PM:
Get real people! Policy at Coos County is that Sexual harassment problems are referred to the HR Director Steve Allen AKA The G-Man. He's been fooling around with this since the spring, as he usually does! If you think back the County has ultimate authority over employees. Do you remember the little tussle with Commissioner Stufflebean and setting work hours? Yes, Virginia, or KC in this case, and the only thing that really gets their attention is A Law Suit! Yes indeedy! Yes, there is something wrong with the County! There are Three very big things wrong with the County! One down, two to go! Maybe a county government that has some transparency, doesn't use Portland Lawyers and Portland computer Techs! Remember folks in the excitement of this election - another one is coming in 2010! If you can't beat'em, vote them out!
Older and Wiser wrote on Nov 4, 2008 12:54 PM:
I was harrassed on the job (not in Coos County) twice by the same guy, and was very vocal in telling him to knock it off. The third time he did it, I punched him. Then he had to try to explain his way out of it. And no, I wasn't the one who got fired.
What is wrong with men wrote on Nov 4, 2008 8:23 AM:
To the people that thought I meant ALLMen, I did not mean that. I guess I must have stated it wrong, and I am sorry. I know that not all men do thisand also that some women do it too.And the person that said some women wear inappropriate outfits and talk like
they are in a bar, is right also. I do
not like going to a professional office
and seeing attire that is suited for the beach and talk suited for a more
casual atmosphere. There seems to be no
dress code anywhere, anymore, and I do
not appreciate it. Is it asking to much
to expect more professional actions
in a business enviroment, such as
doctors offices, banks, etc.
This past week everywhere I seemed to
go the people working were all laughing
loudly talking about what they did over
the weekend and complaining about their
employers and other people they worked
with, right in front of me. How
professional is that????
they are in a bar, is right also. I do
not like going to a professional office
and seeing attire that is suited for the beach and talk suited for a more
casual atmosphere. There seems to be no
dress code anywhere, anymore, and I do
not appreciate it. Is it asking to much
to expect more professional actions
in a business enviroment, such as
doctors offices, banks, etc.
This past week everywhere I seemed to
go the people working were all laughing
loudly talking about what they did over
the weekend and complaining about their
employers and other people they worked
with, right in front of me. How
professional is that????
South Coast Native wrote on Nov 3, 2008 11:41 PM:
While I believe Roach probably did endure some unexcusable behavior in the Assessor's Office, it also sounds like there were some underlying employee issues that had nothing to do with sexual harassment. Noting that Colby frequently lost his temper doesn't mean anything in regards to sexual harassment. Its likely these two employees had a disagreement over their working style and environment expectations, which could be easily understood with an ex-marine working with people who are not from a military background. Unfortunately we all work with people who may be overly sensitive to others comments or jokes, even though these wouldn't qualify as any type of harassment. Office politics unfortunately shouldn't end up in the public eye - but in this case there seemed to be little choice.
moonpenny wrote on Nov 3, 2008 8:22 PM:
What is wrong with men:
I had the exact same issue with my former boss, but I did something about it. I hired an attorney and sued his butt! And yes it was right here in lil Coos County. Not all men are pigs, but those that are need to be pointed out and made to feel ashamed! I dont regret filing the lawsuit, at least it put him out of business.
I had the exact same issue with my former boss, but I did something about it. I hired an attorney and sued his butt! And yes it was right here in lil Coos County. Not all men are pigs, but those that are need to be pointed out and made to feel ashamed! I dont regret filing the lawsuit, at least it put him out of business.
Aporklips Now wrote on Nov 3, 2008 3:07 PM:
Congratulations to the World for finally taking a meaningful stand on an issue. It is inconceivable that the Assessor and Commissioner elect didn't know Mr. Colby has been out on administrative leave since Sept. 30. Exactly who at the County has the authority to execute a suspension? And as the head of this county office, Mr. Main "heard rumors" of two tort claims! Obviously there's something that Mr. Colby wants investigated here besides his current bosses lying or complete failure to grasp the responsibilities of management--or both. More tax payer money will be wasted by this office defending themselves aginst these charges because they were not managing their office responsibly. I hope some light can be shed on this matter and some resolution can occur before the Assessor is allowed to take office as Commissioner in January.
Aporklips Now wrote on Nov 3, 2008 3:04 PM:
Congratulations to the World for finally taking a meaningful stand on an issue. It is inconceivable that the Assessor and Commissioner elect didn't know Mr. Colby has been out on administrative leave since Sept. 30. Exactly who at the County has the authority to execute a suspension? And as the head of this county office, Mr. Main "heard rumors" of two tort claims! Obviously there's something that Mr. Colby wants investigated here besides his current bosses lying or complete failure to grasp the responsibilities of management--or both. More tax payer money will be wasted by this office defending themselves aginst these charges because they were managin their office responsibly. I hope some light can be shed on this matter and some resolution can occur before the Assessor is allowed to take office as Commissioner in January.
Old Coaster wrote on Nov 3, 2008 7:55 AM:
The BIG ? is....
will he be taking office in January??????????? Should he be???? Comments...
will he be taking office in January??????????? Should he be???? Comments...
A man wrote on Nov 2, 2008 4:53 PM:
To What is wrong with men
You are not being fair. You site a situation involving one creepy man & immediately indict men in general.
I'd rather someone tell a nasty joke than be stupid & unfair.
Most men I know would not do such things around a lady. They'd wait for her to leave first.
You are not being fair. You site a situation involving one creepy man & immediately indict men in general.
I'd rather someone tell a nasty joke than be stupid & unfair.
Most men I know would not do such things around a lady. They'd wait for her to leave first.
Observer wrote on Nov 2, 2008 9:11 AM:
Mr. Colby's past experience as a Marine is commendable. However, you should not run a professional office with the same tactics. You do not tear down the moral of the employee's then rebuild to work the way you want it. You will never create loyal employee's that way. The turn over rate will just go up. Mr. Colby's attack on the professionalizm of that office is going to probably make it harder for himself and his employees when he takes office as assessor in January.
bush wrote on Nov 2, 2008 7:35 AM:
woman do and say just as much as men except most men dont bitch about it most men will either ignore it go with it or add to it where most woman will bitch and moan as they seem to enjoy doing with most things in life ?
Ms.Upton wrote on Nov 1, 2008 12:44 PM:
Some women are just as guilty as the men are at this type of behavior. Look at some of these outfits they wear. I have gone in to my doctors office and it sounded like a Friday night at a local dive.
Hello wrote on Nov 1, 2008 10:00 AM:
NONE of the stories say Colby sexually harassed anyone.
NOT ONE.
The stories said Colby asked the county to investigate the complaints. For people who read information into stories that's just not there, consider that maybe Colby was put on leave for his own protection, for asking that something be done about the problems.
NOT ONE.
The stories said Colby asked the county to investigate the complaints. For people who read information into stories that's just not there, consider that maybe Colby was put on leave for his own protection, for asking that something be done about the problems.
To What is wrong with Men-- wrote on Oct 31, 2008 1:35 PM:
I had the same experience--except that the woman was always making sexual comments too. It has really made me skeptical about the "shop local" mantra.
Another observer wrote on Oct 31, 2008 1:19 PM:
Several comments refer to a culture in county government that is anything but businesslike--and if Ms. Roach's allegations are true--here's another example. If Main and Colby did not promptly address the issue, then they are unqualified to manage staff. Ultimately, their judgment failures, if the allegations are true, will cost Coos County taxpayers a substantial sum. Doing "acts of kindness" are not a substitute for solid management skills.
Coos Bay Kid wrote on Oct 31, 2008 11:14 AM:
To what is wrong with men:
Big mistake saying that all men do this in the workplace. I have too much respect for women and men to lower myself to those standards. I have heard women at work being just as guilty as men. It goes both ways, being equally disgusting.
Big mistake saying that all men do this in the workplace. I have too much respect for women and men to lower myself to those standards. I have heard women at work being just as guilty as men. It goes both ways, being equally disgusting.
What is wrong with men wrote on Oct 31, 2008 9:34 AM:
Why can't men seem to keep their hands
to themselves and their rude sexual
comments out of the workplace ?
I worked for a nice couple and the man
always had some dirty joke to tell me
when the wife was gone. I just ignored
them and didn't laugh or comment, and
nothing more happened, but it was
annoying and insulting and I hated it,
but for some reason the man thought it
was funny I guess and must have thought
I enjoyed it, BUT I didn't..
Men, you need to understand WE don't
like it and you just look like a JERK
to us when you do this, so knock it off
and get to work....
Are men so desperate that they are
willing to lose their careers over
a wondering hand or a dirty joke ????
How pitiful they are...
Then again, I guess some women in the
workplace aren't any better...
I'm being "fair and balanced here"...
to themselves and their rude sexual
comments out of the workplace ?
I worked for a nice couple and the man
always had some dirty joke to tell me
when the wife was gone. I just ignored
them and didn't laugh or comment, and
nothing more happened, but it was
annoying and insulting and I hated it,
but for some reason the man thought it
was funny I guess and must have thought
I enjoyed it, BUT I didn't..
Men, you need to understand WE don't
like it and you just look like a JERK
to us when you do this, so knock it off
and get to work....
Are men so desperate that they are
willing to lose their careers over
a wondering hand or a dirty joke ????
How pitiful they are...
Then again, I guess some women in the
workplace aren't any better...
I'm being "fair and balanced here"...
taxpayer wrote on Oct 30, 2008 4:14 PM:
Colby is not connected with the sexual harassment problem. He is a good man and a reformer. The taxpayers need someoe looking out for them.
Same story different day wrote on Oct 30, 2008 12:23 PM:
Welcome to Coos County Oregon, where the mentality is "Boys will be boys". But my question is, when we these "Boys" grow up to be men? Maybe that is just too much to ask. I just hope this all gets resolved and people get the outcome that is necessary for the situation.
Old Coaster wrote on Oct 30, 2008 12:22 PM:
Looks like the handpicked, ex-caddy, successor to the Main regime won’t even make it to his coronation. So who’s next in line for the job? Kay C. Roach? Is it to late for a recount??
Resident wrote on Oct 30, 2008 10:35 AM:
Negativity is not what all media thrives on. I spent 17 years writing only "good news"--features on local people.
Questioning wrote on Oct 29, 2008 8:01 PM:
I have a question for "A Friend". Did you know A. Colby prior to 2004? Check it out.
The Problem With Coos wrote on Oct 29, 2008 2:18 PM:
I am tired of the paper trying people without having all the evidence. The employees have their mouthpieces, the accused unfortunately cannot speak. Let's not judge - I think we prematurely judged some other fine people who have left the county.
been there done that wrote on Oct 29, 2008 1:23 PM:
Only those involved know the real story. I hope the truth comes out and the employees can do their job, which is what they are trying to do.
Coos Bay Kid wrote on Oct 29, 2008 10:24 AM:
Negativity is what all media thrives on. It's a fact in todays society. Get used to it or don't read/listen to it.
Former Employer wrote on Oct 29, 2008 10:14 AM:
An employee can make all kinds on accusations against their employer. As an employer you are obligated to protect that employee who accused you by saying, I can't comment it's a personnel matter. Maybe if there were equal treatment of both parties people would refrain from sensational statements. The employer is no always wrong just gagged and hog tied.
County resident wrote on Oct 29, 2008 10:03 AM:
Read the World's 1st article about this situation, Mr Colby requested the investigation. He (as the newly elected) appraiser seems to want this taken care of before he takes office. Why is the whistle blower always accused? Why did Mr Main say he didn't know what was happening? I hope the World covers ALL this story correctly.
Observor wrote on Oct 29, 2008 9:51 AM:
More of the same Good OL Boys network, Main, hasn't had a clue , the double dipper planned it all, hand picked his successor who got to big for his britches before his coronation. Nothing from these 2 surprises me and it should not surprise you!
CB wrote on Oct 29, 2008 8:39 AM:
Sounds like we have some more "good" people running things in our county as usual. Does anyone with ethics run
anything around here. It seems to be
one thing after another about people
in control of things around here.
anything around here. It seems to be
one thing after another about people
in control of things around here.
Reader of The World wrote on Oct 29, 2008 8:06 AM:
First artical quoted the HR Director about Colby requesting the investigation. The he was put on administrative leave. It appears Roach has another firer burning. She found out that Main was not her guy. She did not get something and blames Colby for doing the right thing. I hope the BOC and the HR guy do the right thing....
Simply Negative wrote on Oct 29, 2008 7:58 AM:
I am sick of all the negativity in the paper. Why can't we have some articles about things going well in our county. It seems The World has fallen into what the national media has become negative and sensationalized. I know it sells papers but come on.
Just a hard worker wrote on Oct 29, 2008 7:55 AM:
My female boss at the county has been called many derogatory names because she demands excellence and hard work. She is no slaker. She just expects others to work hard like herself. Can this be the case with the gents?
Tom wrote on Oct 29, 2008 7:46 AM:
This is just another case of allowing the tiny minds of some to influence the whole. It happens all of the time in this county. I have never seen anything like it. ( for example, the treatment of Judith Hansen and Mike Reaves to name just a couple.)
Confused wrote on Oct 29, 2008 7:46 AM:
It stated in your article that the assessor-elect requested an investigation of all including himself. Seems like he is the only one that got investigated. Why is it when you do the right thing you get punished?
A Friend wrote on Oct 29, 2008 7:43 AM:
Adam Colby is an honorable man. He works hard and treats people very well. I have known him to do many acts of kindness for others without drawing attention to himself. I am just appauled to see the treatment of him.
Just an employer wrote on Oct 29, 2008 7:16 AM:
The campaign of personal destruction is alive and well in Coos County. It is so easy as an employee to make claims against an employer. As a private employer in the county, I understand that your hands are tied and you cannot comment on personnel matters. Seems it is kind of one-sided and unfair doesn't it?
Sick of it in Lakeside wrote on Oct 29, 2008 6:59 AM:
After driving from Lakeside to Coquille because my questions could not be answered through the county website or over the phone, I was told that it was lunchtime and I would have to come back in a hour. Mediocrity by the government is tolerated and often the butt of jokes. Sounds like anything to make it better for the taxpayer is not tolerated either. I am sick of it.
Just Observant wrote on Oct 29, 2008 6:51 AM:
It was mispresented in the paper that Colby was evidently out due to a sexual harassment investigation. I believe reading that Colby himself called for the investigation and that the Eugene lawyer said Main and Colby were not involved in this aspect. People should not be treated unfairly or in this manner. I think Judith Hansen received the similar treatment.
Former Worker wrote on Oct 29, 2008 6:43 AM:
As an ex-county employee, I can tell you change was not tolerated well. A common argument would be that we've always done it this way. My female boss was often referred to, by employees, in an unflattering matter. In my new position whining and dissention is not tolerated and yet employees seem to survive and be happy.
Margaret wrote on Oct 28, 2008 5:21 PM:
Sounds like she got some legal advice from start and did the right thing.. From what others say I have to agree time to clean house...
just musin wrote on Oct 28, 2008 3:59 PM:
I have known Kay C. Roach for years. If she says it happened, it happened. I have complete faith in her veracity. I do NOT have faith in the city. If nothing was done after she followed due process, shame on the City!
good grief... wrote on Oct 28, 2008 3:55 PM:
why is it these kinds of things always come out at election time... maybe she should have filed sexual charges at the time it happened. i dont feel sorry for her when she kept allowing it to happen. maybe she "brought it on" by allowing it to happen, when things didnt go her way, she decided to take action. maybe she should have just got a different job when it started escalating too far, and then sued him... i think this is all wrong by what she is doing at a time like this, just for attention. i hope she remembers karma... by the way, i am a female.
An ex County Employee wrote on Oct 28, 2008 2:02 PM:
I worked for the county for many years and was discriminated against and harrassed until the day I quit. At one point when I asked for a county commissioner to help with the rampant harrassment I was told to pray about my problems with co-workers!
I have no faith in the county to ever clean up the working environment and after I complained the problems continuted and got worse than ever!
I have no faith in the county to ever clean up the working environment and after I complained the problems continuted and got worse than ever!
Retired Worker wrote on Oct 28, 2008 1:18 PM:
I must say that "Happy Worker" is right on the button!!
Not stupid wrote on Oct 28, 2008 1:14 PM:
Well, Well, maybe "Unfortunate" needs to try working for Mr. Colby, but maybe the press isn't totally correct, or maybe I need to try working for Colby or Main. I don't think too much of "the good ole boy" attitude of Coos County. If in fact Colby and Main are guilty in any way, they need to resign their elected positions. WE TAXPAYERS don't need elected officials that are less than totally honest,overbearing,hot headed,spineless etc.etc.
A Question wrote on Oct 28, 2008 1:08 PM:
I didn't see anything quoted that accused Colby of sexual harassment. Did the editorial board inaccurately speculate that he is being investigated for sexual harassment? Is it just possible that the incoming asssessor elect is a tough-minded reformer, someone finally willing to address government waste and inefficiency?
Happy Worker wrote on Oct 28, 2008 12:52 PM:
A person can do right all they want, but sexual harassment and treating people wrong is not excusable based on what they're doing for the public. Sometimes people get "involved" with others and then when it goes wrong, there is accusations. Other times it's a matter of people abusing power as well as employees. This will run it's course and we'll see who is lying and who is telling the truth. It always comes out. It's sad that this kind of thing goes on with officials that we elect.
Dave in CB wrote on Oct 28, 2008 12:47 PM:
To unfortunate: I have known K.C. Roach for years, and she is a good person who simply tells it like it is. Some ilk do not like that and may react poorly, as has Colby.
If K.C. says it is so, then it is so. Period. That all she wrote. Very few people have the credibility of Kay and it takes a lot for them to speak out in the first place. I would take whatever K.C. says to the bank.
Colby needs to resign. Main needs some real leadership and management training, and perhaps a backbone implant.
I am soooo fed up with the whole harassment scene. Its time is past.
If K.C. says it is so, then it is so. Period. That all she wrote. Very few people have the credibility of Kay and it takes a lot for them to speak out in the first place. I would take whatever K.C. says to the bank.
Colby needs to resign. Main needs some real leadership and management training, and perhaps a backbone implant.
I am soooo fed up with the whole harassment scene. Its time is past.
Linda wrote on Oct 28, 2008 12:46 PM:
Yeah clean out the whole courthouse and put some honest working people in there. I'm sure that's not the only Dept. gone bonkers.
Pondering wrote on Oct 28, 2008 12:37 PM:
Why didn't Chief Deputy Foord and Assessor Main address the sexual harassment? Seems like it snowballed from there. Why are so many employees there related? Doesn't anyone else apply?
Unfortunate wrote on Oct 28, 2008 12:30 PM:
A person can make accusations without many repercusions which is unfortunate. Mr. Colby has tried to do right by the taxpaying public by holding seminars and opening the office between 12 and 1 P.M. Let's not judge him in the press. We have lost good people in this county that way and it really needs to stop.
Concerned In Coos wrote on Oct 28, 2008 12:21 PM:
Why doesn't the editor read his own paper? In Friday's article it states Main and Colby were not involved with the alleged sexual harassment by the plaintiff's attorney. In the editorial it states Colby is home evidently for a sexual harrasment investigation. Your facts aren't straight and can ruin a person's reputation. Colby called for the investigation - remember?
JDJ wrote on Oct 28, 2008 12:17 PM:
Kay C. Roach is a professional and for her to pursue this type of course is very damning to the unnamed office manager and the inaction by all others concerned, including Main.
K.C. needs all our support in these terrible times for her. Step up and let her know she is still a valued and welcome professional throughout the county.
Just who is this un-named terrorist, anyway??? Do let us all "support" him the way he deserves...
K.C. needs all our support in these terrible times for her. Step up and let her know she is still a valued and welcome professional throughout the county.
Just who is this un-named terrorist, anyway??? Do let us all "support" him the way he deserves...
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