Dear Editor,
I’m writing in regards to the unjust termination of Mrs. Brigham (former Iola city administrator).
If the council members think they have just cause, the cause should have been told to Mrs. Brigham, and to the entire population of Iola and Allen County.
The council may just as well have said that she is a criminal. Letting her go just weeks before her retirement was a bad deal. Everyone is entitled to know the reason for her dismissal, including her.
The city better have positive proof that a large amount of money is missing. If she has been formally charged with any crime, or misuse of funds, we have the right to know.
I hope the city knows what kind of a can of worms they have opened up. If not, who will pay for a large lawsuit against the city, probably the taxpayers.
This termination just weeks from her retirement should send a strong message to all city employees that this could happen to them as well.
This may cost the city some good employees who may not look at longtime employment due to this situation.
Good luck Mrs. Brigham, if you were wrongfully accused.
Things just always seem to get worse. The old saying that things will get better has yet to come. Will it ever?
Respectfully,
Carl Letsinger,
Iola, Kan.
Dear Editor,
I came into Iola Sunday and was impressed with the display of American flags around the square and at the fire station.
It was truly awe-inspiring.
Delene Lindberg,
Colony, Kan.
Dear Editor,
I think the people of Iola deserve an explanation as to why an employee with almost 32 years of faithful service is terminated 12 days before retirement.
Were there funds missing from the coffers? Was theft or fraud intended? Harm to the city? Are we left in a financial crisis?
Please don’t leave us in the dark to find out our horrible fate. I would hope criminal charges are forthcoming to teach her a lesson for always doing what is best for the community. I hope this is a an eye opener to all city employees, don’t think by years of doing your job to the best of your ability, working countless unpaid hours, not using sick leave just because you have it, and working your way up the ranks is any way to keep your job.
What if the next council member with tenure of six months doesn’t like you or your spouse, kids, etc.? This is a wake-up call, your warning of things to come. Don’t think it won’t happen to you. Working for the city, county, or state is a low-paying, thankless job that did have some security, and a retirement. I guess you can’t count on that anymore.
I am proud to have Judy for my big sister. Congratulations on your retirement, Sis.
Sincerely,
Jerry Thompson
Iola, Kan.
