The dismissal of Amy Cooper as the Animal Care and Control Division director for Sonoma County has been well-reported in the Press Democrat by Derek Moore with further reports undoubtedly on their way. Attending the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors afternoon session at 2PM today made it clear that this story is not over yet.
During the course of the abbreviated public comment period permitted by the Board for less than a half hour after their closed session and before 2:30PM, the speakers on this topic were unanimous in their praise of Ms. Cooper. Former Windsor Mayor Warin Parker spoke eloquently in summarizing the key issues:
Current Sonoma County Agricultural Commissioner Cathy Neville is apparently in over her head, lacking basic understanding of simple management protocols, likely having risen past her level of competence as can be explained by reference to the Peter Principle;
Because of her exemplary job performance, Amy Cooper should be returned to her position as Sonoma County Animal Care and Control Director; and
Due to inherent conflicts of interest, the Sonoma County Animal Care and Control Division should no longer report to the Agricultural Commissioner.
That this issue has been permitted to remain unresolved so long does the Board of Supervisors and County Administrator Veronica Ferguson no credit. Having the closed session discussion of this topic today prior to receiving comment from the public is further evidence of our county government engaging in processes that reflect a Ready Fire Aim mindset rather than careful deliberation of decisions affecting Sonoma County taxpayers.
Watch Pup
Outrageous. Outrageous that the supervisors discussed this matter in closed session BEFORE hearing from the public, outrageous that the public comment session was cut off when so many people were still waiting to speak, and outrageous that Cathy Neville is still employed by the County of Sonoma and Amy Cooper isn’t. Thanks for attending and reporting out to the many of us who care about this issue and won’t let it go until justice is served. Let’s hope the new county administrator and supervisors “aim” to do the right things: make ACC a standalone department and bring Amy Cooper back. Oh, and “fire” Cathy Neville. “Ready?”
August 3rd, 2010 5:53 pm
maryjane
Mary Jane agrees with outrageous. I mean like where is Doctor Doolittle when you need him. Could you imagine what the stupidvisors would hear if they could talk to the animals. Outrageous would be the kindest of thoughts. Get out the broom and sweep the supervisors clean out. We need one of two things. Either they change or we change them.
Thanks for giving the animals a voice.
Mary Jane
August 4th, 2010 7:20 am
It’s all been said, now what? – Pet Corner - The Press Democrat - Santa Rosa, CA - Archive
[...] in the county’s court. County officials needs to figure it out this time around. As Tim Smith said in his blog, the county needs to really think about the ready, aim, fire approach to this department and the [...]
August 4th, 2010 8:09 am
BAD RAP – California Commons - The Press Democrat - Santa Rosa, CA - Archive
[...] than solve the significant problems caused by Cathy Neville as its appointed Agricultural Commissioner, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors seems to [...]
August 6th, 2010 4:14 am
reality check
All of you seem to be such experts on all of this hoo hah over nothing.
It’s none of our business as to why Amy Cooper was fired. Get over it already and stop trying to make her into a martyr. Bob, Jeff and all the staff need to be more concerned over the welfare of the animals they’re paid to care for and prepare to meet their new boss.
August 7th, 2010 10:10 pm