I applaud the Cook County commissioners for thinking outside the black and white box when they approved the “alternative work site agreement” for Sue Futterer, director of Public Health and Human Services.
Sue has done her job exceptionally well, raised her children here, continues to own property, pay taxes, be involved in this community and deserved to have this option considered. The elected commissioners obviously felt the three-month trial period demonstrated this arrangement could work effectively.
I am a retired registered nurse who worked both in health care and industry and strongly supported women’s issues in the workplace and advocated for telecommuting and job sharing to allow more flexibility for managing family and work responsibilities. Both health care and industrial settings have some of these options in place for workers and North Memorial had telecommuting options available many years ago.
I worked under Sue’s management for several years in the County Public Health Nursing Program and respected her knowledge of and ability to interpret the complex rules and regulations governing the Department of Public Health and Human Services, her leadership, her ability to make tough decisions when necessary and stand by them.
The commissioners compared the pros and cons of this agreement and in making their decision affirmed Sue’s leadership abilities, knowledge of her job and dedication in serving residents of Cook County who benefit from services and the employees who work in this department.
My sincere desire is that most county residents will also affirm the decision and acknowledge Sue’s dedication and service to this community.
Ginger Weisser
Grand Marais
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