Knowing when to go

Part of having a Democracy is knowing when to go and having leadership changes on a regular basis.

Whether it be through term limits governing elected officials or by stepping down from a position by choice, leadership positions in the public sector have a shelf life. There's no shame about it. It's just how it is.

Earlier this year, the Curt Carpenter, the Moses Lake Irrigation and Rehabilitation District manager, resigned to take another job after seven years at the district.

The MLIRD board is in the process of seeking another manager and we wish them the best of luck in this endeavor. Finding the right fit is truly a challenge. The board's leadership has gone through major changes in the past two years, with the election and resignation of board member Mick Hansen, and the expansion of the board from three to five members.

With Hansen's election to office in 2012, the dynamics of the district changed for employees and the public.

Hansen, a former state representative, pushed for election and assessment reforms (ratepayers owning property within the district pay assessment fees). Early in his term, he transformed the formal board meetings into more informal town hall-type meetings. Some people supported him on these actions.

Hansen resigned in March. According to his interpretation of district bylaws, he claimed the district would incur legal liability because of its assessment methods, the Columbia Basin Herald reported in March.

Most importantly, he lost the majority with the board's expansion.

During his tenure, district employees were more heavily scrutinized and their integrity was publicly questioned and criticized in open board meetings. This is despite the district receiving clean audits from the State Auditor's Office.

From the outside looking in, it did not appear to be a good time to work at the district. Some board meetings drug on into the late evenings and were contentious.

From our perspective, district issues ultimately revolved around leadership, the board's priorities, interpretations of state law, and opinions how to best manage employees and get results.

It's too bad the district had to go through such upheaval and that some didn't make it through the transition.

With a different dynamic, it's our hope the district can refocus, work well together and keep Moses Lake clean.

- Editorial Board