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Thurston County commissioners agree to defend clerk in recall petition
Summary
The Thurston County Board of County Commissioners voted to authorize county counsel/prosecutor representation for County Clerk Linda Enloe after a petition seeking her recall alleged failures tied to official duties.
The Thurston County Board of County Commissioners voted to authorize county legal representation for County Clerk Linda Enloe in response to a recall petition filed by Arthur West.
The board’s authorization follows allegations in the petition that the clerk failed to perform statutory duties — specifically, that a hearing notice was not transmitted in a case and that court-ordered funds were not disbursed. County counsel advised the board that the prosecuting attorney’s office would provide representation only if the board agreed to defend the clerk under the cited state provision.
Julie (counsel) told the board the petition alleges “failure to transmit a notice of a hearing” and a separate claim about dispersal of funds; she said the prosecuting attorney, John Tunheim, confirmed the office would provide representation because the allegations relate to Enloe’s official duties. Under the statute cited in the discussion, the board must agree to defend the clerk for the prosecutor’s office to represent her.
A commissioner moved to provide representation; a second was recorded from Commissioner Klaus. After brief discussion, the board voted unanimously in favor. The chair called for the vote and the motion passed without recorded opposition.
The board noted the matter will proceed through the legal process and that further hearings are scheduled. Commissioners also clarified that some allegations cited by the petitioner referred to separate cases and that the immediate action was limited to agreeing to provide representation for issues arising from the clerk’s performance of official duties.
The board’s authorization is procedural — it secures representation for the clerk while the legal review and any subsequent hearings proceed.
No additional policy changes or administrative actions were reported at the meeting related to the petition; the prosecuting attorney’s office will handle the representation and any related legal steps going forward.
