Nikki Whitty has been unable to attend to her duties as Coos County commissioner for approximately two months. As everyone knows, Commissioner Whitty underwent major surgery several weeks ago and because she has not been forthcoming about her condition, rumors are running rampant. No one denies she has a right to privacy but the citizens she represents have rights as well,or at the very least, expectations of service.
When I asked Whitty when she might be back to work full time, she admitted to having no idea. Again, absent any doctors certification or general statement of her health, the public are left with partial representation for an indefinite period of time. We can all respect Whitty’s privacy but as a public figure and elected official she has to respect her constituents as well. No one needs to know all the details, just a general prognosis. Keeping everyone in the dark is unfair, disrespectful and leads to all types of conjecture.
Perhaps, in the best interests of the county, an interim commissioner, appointed by Commissioners Main and Jackson, can fill in while Whitty focuses on getting well. This way the public is served and the commissioner can shift her priorities to her health.
We all wish Nikki a speedy recovery.
From what I have learned, no one at the Commissioners office has heard from Nikki since January 3.
This is really dicey, but having just watched a friend go through chemo and radiation, I know for a fact, she will not be in any condition to govern.
It’s hard to believe she will be able to govern for some time.
Too bad, but this is not the time to operate without a full board.
Anybody know the legal remedy?
Truthfully, I have no idea but if Nikki’s recovery is going to persist for months, it would be a fair thing to consider. When she is well she can return to work.
Seems like a possible solution. How would that work? How would a temporary replacement be chosen?