Receptionist Position is Important

Dear Editor,

I would like to address sheriff candidate Tom Cooper's reason for declining to take a vacant, light-duty position at the Sheriff's Office after injuring his knee, as reported in the September 18th issue of the Union Bulletin. Mr. Cooper refused Sheriff Turner's offer for the receptionist position and stated, "I thought that was a move politically to discredit me and to humiliate me."

I am the current receptionist at the WWCSO performing the duties Mr. Cooper was offered. I find it disturbing that Mr. Cooper considers the work and service I provide humiliating. As the receptionist for the WWCSO, I'm often the first contact citizens have with the department. I work with every law enforcement, corrections, and social service agency. I help citizens with CPL's, reporting crimes, and obtaining copies of reports. I help victims and family members in crisis. It is my duty to assist the full spectrum of the public from the intoxicated and hostile, to lost tourists. I communicate with the media on a daily basis. I direct people to appropriate city or county offices for every topic from child support to parking tickets. I manage and preserve of thousands of paper and electronic records for disclosure and reporting purposes.

These aren't unimportant, menial tasks suitable only for uneducated and unskilled employees. I have earned a BAE in Spanish/TESL/English/Language Arts and am currently pursuing a Masters of Counseling Psychology at WWU. My education and training far exceeds that of Mr. Cooper and I haven't found any task I've been asked to do beneath my dignity. It is disappointing and concerning that a sheriff candidate has so little regard for the essential public services performed by others on the team. How can he encourage his employees to maintain strong work ethics if he doesn't respect what they do?

I am exceedingly proud Sheriff Turner asked me to serve my community. I'm grateful for the opportunities to meet with many incredible people and work with other community agencies; these experiences can only benefit me in achieving my career goals in the future. If Mr. Cooper were focused on service to his community, instead of his ego, it might help him achieve his career goals as well. Sheriff Turner values and respects everyone's contribution to the department, which is one of the many reasons I will vote to reelect him in November. Erin Morgan Walla Walla