Grant County PUD manager to stay on the job

EPHRATA — Grant County PUD General Manager Rich Wallen will continue in that job. Utility district commissioners made the announcement during a workshop Tuesday morning, followed by a statement from Commissioner Terry Pyle warning against listening to rumors.

Commission Chair Tom Flint said commissioners wanted to make it clear where they stood.

“As you know, there has been quite a bit of rumor and misinformation floating around the district,” Flint said. “The commission would like to clarify some of that. The commission has never asked Rich Wallen to resign.” 

All five commissioners supported, and still support, Wallen, Flint said. 

“With that, (Wallen) will continue to be our chief executive officer,” Flint said.

Pyle too denied that the commission had asked for Wallen’s resignation. He used what he called a “mixed Navy metaphor” to explain the commission’s position. 

“We are at a crossroads; the board of commissioners has asked Rich to steer our ship,” Pyle said. “We are asking you to get on board. Everyone at (Grant County PUD) either needs to get in the boat with us or start finding a life jacket.”

Wallen announced his resignation May 7 to take the job of chief operating officer for the Chelan County PUD. His last day would have been June 14.

Pyle said workers would be encouraged to continue voicing their concerns, and that rumors are part of every workplace. 

“There are surely problems that need to be faced and corrected. We are asking that those corrections be identified and handled directly and appropriately,” Pyle said.