Former PUD employee blocks details of termination

EPHRATA — A former high-ranking employee of the Grant County Public Utility District is seeking a temporary injunction to prevent documents from being released through the Public Disclosure Act which could describe alleged misconduct that led to his termination earlier this month.

Steven Rex Comstock was discharged from his post Aug. 5 over "allegations of misconduct," according to documents filed by Comstock in Grant County Superior Court.

Comstock was a PUD employee for 26 years. Most recently, he was the manager of facilities and security.

The request for temporary injunction was filed Wednesday, after Comstock's employment records were requested from the PUD by the Columbia Basin Herald.

In a letter dated Aug. 11, PUD auditor Kim Justice informed Comstock that the PUD intended to release the records within seven days.

"We believe the documents related to the investigation of your activities and your subsequent termination must be provided pursuant to the public records act," Justice wrote.

Comstock has since requested that the records be exempt from disclosure.

The temporary injunction request specifically asks that documents connecting Comstock by name with misconduct allegations between July 5 and Aug. 5 be exempt.

According to a Washington state law sited in Comstock's injunction request, personal information in employee files are exempt from public inspection and copying if the release of those files violates the employee's right to privacy.

Comstock offered no comment after being reached by phone Thursday evening.

PUD Commissioner Bill Bjork offered no comment after being reached by phone Thursday.

PUD Attorney Ray Foianini also offered no comment after being reached by phone Thursday.

"The public has a right to know regarding the operation and management of the district, however does not have the right to invade personnel documents in doing so," Comstock stated in court documents. "All matters with the district have been resolved including disciplinary action and restitution."

A hearing is scheduled for Aug. 26 in Grant County Superior Court to determine if the requested documents will be released.