 - The Fremont County Commission decided to re-do its June vote for Fremont County Library Board appointments this week, citing a “perception” that the original process was “void” because it was conducted via “secret ballot.”){kind=link}
(Lander, WY) – The Fremont County Commission decided to redo its June vote for Fremont County Library Board appointments this week, citing a “perception” that the original process was “void” because of the way it was conducted.
Fremont County Clerk Julie Freese said this “perception” stemmed from a concern raised by the local newspaper, which Commission Chair Larry Allen had pushed back on during a meeting earlier this month.
“We were notified that (our) recent appointments to the Fremont County Library Board were made through the use of secret ballots,” Allen said during the Oct. 7 meeting. “I argue that… It’s a weighted ballot. But I understand where they’re coming from.”
In order to address the concern, Allen suggested that the Commissioners sign their names to their June ballots retroactively “so the public can see how each individual Commissioner voted.”
The Commission approved of Allen’s recommendation Oct. 7 and agreed to sign their names to any weighted ballots moving forward.
They also indicated that they weren’t interested in changing their Library Board votes at that time.
When they re-did the process by voice vote this week, however, the outcome had changed, with Julie Lefevre selected for the appointment instead of David Mossburg.
Removal challenged
That same day, Mossburg notified the Commission, the Fremont County Attorney’s Office, and the Wyoming Attorney General that he intended to challenge his removal from the Library Board.
“I believe the action taken was unlawful,” Mossburg said, citing Wyoming Statute 18-7-103, which states that “the county commissioners may remove any director for misconduct or neglect of duty.”
“At no time was I accused of misconduct or neglect,” Mossburg said. “I was removed despite fulfilling my duties as a board member in good faith. This exceeds the authority granted to the Commission by law.”
Mossburg also noted that Tuesday’s vote wasn’t included on the Commission’s meeting agenda – an omission that he says violates the Wyoming Public Meetings Act and requires the action to be reconsidered.
“I respectfully request that the Commission vacate the action removing me from the Library Board, vacate the appointment of Ms. Lefevre, and reinstate me to serve the balance of my term,” he said, adding, “I hope this matter can be corrected promptly and without the need for litigation. However, I reserve all rights to pursue relief in Fremont County District Court if necessary.”
On Wednesday, Allen said he was unable to comment on the situation due to the possibility of pending litigation.
Lefevre
When she interviewed for the Library Board position in June, Lefevre said she applied for the job because “I think the library is one of humanity’s greatest ideas.”
“Particularly in Fremont County, we’re so lucky to have the libraries that we have,” she said. “(They’re) one of the last few community spaces where people can meet without cost and share ideas and learn new things … and I just want to make sure that the library system continues to thrive and grow with our citizens.”
Originally from Casper, Lefevre said she has spent the last 42 years living in Lander, where she raised four children and spent more than two decades working as a middle school English teacher.
More recently, she said she has gotten involved with Almost Home Wyoming – a group that works to provide “safe and secure housing for people who are homeless or facing homelessness,” according to their website.
Lefevre said her experience with the organization has made her “more aware of the financially struggling people in our community” – and of the resources those individuals can access at the public library.
“The library is one place where you don’t have to pay money to participate – where you can come and people are kind and friendly,” she said. “It’s a safe space – a warm space in the winter. And it’s someplace where people who really are struggling with their finances can access the Internet to check their email to apply for jobs and see what job openings there are. I think (that’s) such an important part of our community, so that’s why I’m here.”
Asked about the “national debate” regarding “sexually explicit books” being available to young readers at public libraries, Lefevre said she likes the current system in Fremont County, “where a parent can put limitations on what their children read.”
“If you, as a parent, want to restrict your kids from checking (things) out … that’s your prerogative, for sure – I think parental control over what your kids have access to is very important,” she said. “(But) I don’t think things should be restricted from everyone on the basis of a certain individual’s preferences, because it is a public library, and I think it’s unrealized how important it is for kids who are questioning to have reliable sources of information – particularly kids who can’t ask their parents. …
“If the collection in the library has already been carefully chosen with skill and knowledge and background research, then I think it’s appropriate that individuals make their own decisions about what they access and parents make their own decisions for their own children.”
Karen Wetzel, who was appointed to the Library Board in June, was selected again for appointment this week.