I have never sent a letter to the editor in my life, but find this topic so outrageous I needed to voice my opinion. This is in regards to last week’s article about the hiring at the Cook County Highway Department. Not only was the hiring process unfair, but also a danger to the community. I worked for the highway department as a maintenance II employee for 37 years and have never seen such unbelievable events.
First, there were 20-plus applications for this position. In my opinion, each one was more qualified than the “boss” Russell Klegstad’s son! For example, Timothy Suck was sent a letter stating he was not qualified. Tim had over 13 years working for the highway department as a grader operator, truck driver, and maintenance supervisor. He also had previous experience with Thoreson’s and Hedstrom’s. That is hugely qualified for the position.
I heard from numerous others who had applied and received the same letter stating they were not qualified. One person had been driving truck for over 30 years, and another for 38 years.
How can they justify hiring someone who has never drove a tandem dump truck, let alone all the plow equipment attached, furthermore in the treacherous winter conditions?
In the hiring process, Russell Klegstad and Dave Betts picked Russell’s three “best friends” to sit in on the interviews. Why wasn’t there an employee from the east end, west end, and one from town? I believe it would have been a different outcome.
What would have become of the three employees if they would have said the “boss’s kid” wasn’t qualified? Would their jobs have been in jeopardy?
The article says Klegstad wouldn’t be in charge of his son’s daily tasks. Does that mean we are hiring another supervisor for his son?
I had situations that were stressful during the winter months even with my 37 years of experience. I can’t state how dangerous it’s going to be with someone who lacks any experience in a plow truck. Where is their reasoning for safety?
I would not want to be anywhere near this “greenhorn” when conditions are unfavorable. If something does happen to himself or others who will be held responsible? The safety issue alone is enough for people to contact their commissioners and have this hiring overturned before he plows into you!
Gary Blomberg
Grand Marais
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