The Josephine County Board of Commissioners convened an open session yesterday to address two formal complaints lodged against Trish House, the Board’s Administrative Secretary. The proceedings shed light on an unprecedented situation involving House, who has served the county faithfully for over two decades without prior incident—until her recent clash with Commissioner John West.
The complaints against House come against a backdrop of escalating tensions within the county government. Recent efforts by local media to obtain records from Josephine County have reportedly faced obstacles, leading to inquiries at the state level regarding a Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) investigation involving Commissioner’s Baertschiger and West, in which House played a key role as a witness.
These events have raised questions about the motives behind the complaints against House. Critics suggest that they may be retaliation for her ethical stance against Commissioner West. The public hearing, accessible via YouTube, drew significant attention as County Commissioners John West, Herman Baertschiger, and Dan DeYoung were in attendance.
During the hearing, the focus centered on two affidavits from unnamed community members, cited as the basis for potential disciplinary actions against House, including possible dismissal. Allegations against House include claims of using vulgar language in phone conversations and in person.
Observations by individuals familiar with investigative techniques, such as former interview and interrogation specialists, have cast doubt on the validity of the allegations. Those individuals noted that House appeared composed and truthful during her testimony, showing no signs of nervousness or deception.
The hearing has ignited broader discussions about transparency, accountability, and workplace dynamics within Josephine County’s government. As the investigation into these complaints unfolds, the community awaits further developments amid a climate of heightened scrutiny and intrigue surrounding the county’s administrative affairs.
