The Collin County Observer™

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District Clerk begins lay-offs

09/16/10

11:59:14 pm, by bill

, 176 words,

Categories: Observer Opinions, Law, Crime & Punishment, Ethics

District Clerk begins lay-offs

The Collin County District Clerk's office began laying employees off today.

Reports I've heard is that 3 people, including at least one at the passport office were informed that their jobs would be going away.

Hannah Kunkle

None of the mid-level clerks let go today have been charged with any crimes - they were simply expendable.

However for the six who were indicted in July for theft by a public servant and falsifying government documents... their jobs appear to be quite safe.

On Monday, the Commissioners Court passed the fiscal year 2011 budget. The new budget called for the elimination of 3 mid-level Clerk 2 positions and one mid-level Passport Office clerk position. Today's lay-off actions by lame duck District Clerk Hannah Kunkle appear to be the result of the budget cuts.

The court approved the reduced staffing in the District Clerk's office after Texas Rangers raided the courthouse and a grand jury indicted Patricia Crigger, the new District Clerk- elect, and 5 deputy clerks for falsifying dozens of time sheets granting at least 160 days paid time-off to 20 Crigger campaign workers.

Bill

Permalink 10 comments

Comments, Pingbacks:

Comment from: Mr.NoName [Visitor]

I am sorry for the people who are to be laid off. Hopefully, they will try to find other county positions for them if they are available. The reductions are, however, appropriate and likely just the beginning.

As for the indicted clerks their jobs are only safe for now. Hopefully, at some point in the near future, we will have a new District Clerk that will eliminate them as well.

*PS* Consider voting for a write-in candidate so we can avoid a costly special election when Crigger is hopefully determined to be ineligible by conviction.

Permalink 09/17/10 @ 01:23

Comment from: TG [Visitor]

· http://www.pegasusnews.com

interesting about the passport worker. i just got my passport renewed and noted that there were three employees and absolutely no one else in line besides me. also, they managed to botch my photo pretty badly and charge me $10.82 for it nonetheless. next time, i'll get my photo taken at one of those places that does it cheaply and does a better job

Permalink 09/17/10 @ 02:05

Comment from: Tea Party Taxpayer [Visitor]

It seems to me that those indicted could have been let go as with the many hours they were not working at their job but on the campaign trail, I have not heard or seen one complaint about the problems at the district clerk's office.

As to Ms. Wysong Crigger and the others, look at how much they have cost the County. First with the alleged actions during the campaign, now with all these motions that are being heard (and yes before anyone jumps me a defendant is entitled to make these motions) and then down the road with a possible special election. We thought Plano City council special election was bad, just wait til we see the bill for a county wide special election.

Permalink 09/17/10 @ 06:56

Comment from: COLLIN COUNTY ATTORNEY [Visitor]

Doesn't Jerry Hoagland's wife work in the passport office?

==============

The Observer responds:

She did, but is retired now.

Bill

Permalink 09/17/10 @ 06:57

Comment from: Truth Be Known [Visitor]

So, our already overworked courts will be working even slower now that there are less clerks. It's bad enough that the Collin County Commissioners Court refuses to acknowledge we need more courts. Now, they want the same overworked courts work with less staff.

Look on the brightside; justice may be even slower in Collin County, but at least property owners will have an extra $5.50 in their pockets come the end of January.

Permalink 09/17/10 @ 07:42

Comment from: No Incumbents [Visitor]

Apparently, getting indicted is what it takes to have job security in the Collin County District Clerk's office. The district judges will likely protect fellow members of their courthouse family.

Permalink 09/17/10 @ 08:04

Comment from: Gini [Visitor]

I wasn't aware that a verdict of guilty had come down on the women indicted.

Permalink 09/17/10 @ 08:19

Comment from: Roger Spann [Visitor]

Soon Gini...soon.

Permalink 09/17/10 @ 09:31

Comment from: jeanne [Visitor]

thanks for keeping us informed on all matters in collin county.

Permalink 09/17/10 @ 16:59

Comment from: Dear Truth be Known [Visitor]

I'm sure the DC's and the Courts will be fine with the reduction in staff. According to the records, they've been doing more with less for some time now, while employees were getting paid for not being at work. What's the difference, besides that now we don't have to pay them while they're not at work?

Permalink 09/20/10 @ 10:49

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The Collin County Observer™

District Clerk begins lay-offs

09/16/10

District Clerk begins lay-offs

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