Carpenter steps down as MLIRD manager

Moses Lake Irrigation District Manager Curt Carpenter tendered his resignation on Monday, citing health concerns and strain on his family.

In his resignation letter dated March 24, Carpenter said he "did not enjoy" board members' ridicule, accusations and micro-management.

"During this tenure staff has been ridiculed, accused of being dishonest, and liars, accused of committing election crimes and our integrity has been publicly slandered in the public board meetings, as well as in the media by board members," he stated in his letter. He also included a note from his doctor in which she linked his depression and anxiety to his job and recommended he resign.

Carpenter's announcement comes on the heels of MLIRD director Mick Hansen's resignation from the board. Hansen's term would have ended in December.

Carpenter, 47, has been the manager of the MLIRD for seven years. His letter included a long list of accomplishments during his tenure, for which he shared credit with his "talented staff."

"I've accomplished a hell of a lot," he said in an interview Tuesday.

Carpenter has accepted a position at Inland Mechanical in Moses Lake.