Schuylkill County Commissioner was in the mood to fire someone on Wednesday. In fact, he wanted to fire 2 people but in the end, no one got fired and Boots got upset.
In a defiant statement read near the end of Wednesday’s regular board meeting, Boots scolded Commissioners Gary Hess and George Halcovage for their inaction on firing two Tax Claims employees the County says performed “unauthorized searches” of personal records using LexisNexis software.
Hess said he couldn’t vote to fire the employees – who happen to be 2 of the 4 Jane Doe plaintiffs in a federal civil lawsuit against Halcovage and other Courthouse officials – because the so-called investigation the County conducted to determine their guilt apparently didn’t include interviews with the accused.
Halcovage abstained from the personnel actions to fire these employees due to conflict of interest.
SNOOPGATE – Boots says “This is a total disgrace.”
Boots was not pleased with either and let them have it during his tirade at the end of Wednesday’s meeting. He told Halcovage, his Republican partner on the Commissioners board, to “resign immediately” over his lack of vote.
“He has assured me on multiple occasions over the last 2 years that he can conduct himself as Commissioner despite the pending federal litigation that he is facing. His abstention twice today is evidence that he is incapable of discharging his duties of the office as he swore to do so. He is not able to put aside his personal issues and properly act on behalf of the citizens of Schuylkill County. He needs to resign immediately,” Boots said.
To Hess’ concerns about the investigation, Boots said, “We delayed proper action twice and we engaged the independent law firm to conduct and view the matter, Again, Eckert Seamons confirmed the investigation was done properly and supported and proposed the action of termination.”
Boots then said, “As I previously stated, this entire investigation was viewed and supported by the independent law firm. I am greatly disappointed in both my colleagues for their lack of action today. This is an absolute disgrace.”
Hetherington has previously told Halcovage to resign amid the controversy swirling around the former Commissioners Chairman.
READ MORE ON SNOOPGATE:
- Jane Doe Jobs At Schuylkill County Courthouse Saved For Now
- Trying To Prove Potential Cost Of Snoopgate, Schuylkill Commissioners Show Rare Transparency
- Schuylkill Commissioners Will Try Again To Fire 2 Jane Does From Courthouse Jobs On Snooping Allegations
- Schuylkill Commissioners Want To Fire 2 Jane Doe Plaintiffs – Action Put Off Pending Investigation
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PTFloridians
March 11, 2022 at 8:01 am
I’m with Bootsie on this one.
… Georgie Porgie is in the way, and has been for quite awhile. He had a good run, despite himself.
Coalregion12
March 11, 2022 at 8:58 am
Wonder what Bender has to say? Everyone knows he runs the show there. Which side does he pick Boots or George?
JS
March 11, 2022 at 11:41 pm
The Schuylkill County courthouse is nothing but a bunch of goofballs; nobody does their job, no one answers the phone, they play on Facebook all day long, and it’s nothing but scandal after scandal. A bunch of 60 year olds acting like clowns…what an embarrassment to this county!
It's Me
March 12, 2022 at 12:53 pm
I wonder how much money the County spent on this independent investigation. And, if it was done property, why didn’t they do interviews? I think they need a refund.
Canary Commenter
March 12, 2022 at 1:37 pm
We’ll check our archives but it may have been stated back in November how much this firm was getting. Regardless, the vote back then was for the firm to do the investigation. That’s what they agreed to, per Hess’ amendment on the motion. It doesn’t sound like that’s what happened, based on what we’ve heard so far. But we’re open to an explanation from the County. Hence, the reason we filed the RTK requests.
It's me
May 28, 2022 at 1:18 pm
Thank you.