Snatching defeat from the jaws of victory
The collective “power dynamics” of staff failed in it’s bombastic undertaking to topple Commissioner Mark Shull. At conception, the process to get rid of him seemed flawless. Department heads of the County, with the aid of luminaries from the governing class around Oregon, non-profit organizations and the media, in unison would demand that he immediately resign. This effort would then consummate with his fellow Commissioners condemning him and demanding he resign. Shull humiliated, would then skulk away. The strong voice on the Commission for small government and accountability would be gone.
In their minds, their motive to do this was pure. It was a moral intervention, necessary and defense-able. The ability for the County to govern was in danger by Shull’s presence on Commission. His Facebook postings were twisted and embellished to be seen as intolerant toward certain categories of people. And the few who made that judgment would spread the news to those who hadn’t read the posts, knowing they would not doubt his transgressions. They would be delighted to join. With brisk pace, no time to reflect, and a ensemble of those chock full of passionate outrage, resignation would be imminent.
The day before the scheduled Commission meeting County Administrator Gary Schmidt forwarded the letter to the Commission from all twenty two department heads that asked for Shull’s Resignation. Mr. Schmidt did not sign the letter himself, giving the impression that he was merely the messenger. The onus would be on the Commission.
Sure of success, Mr. Schmidt emailed a department head only hours before that morning’s Commission meeting. He wrote, “If Commissioner Shull does not resign today I expect he will very soon.”
For the great majority of mankind are satisfied with appearances, as though they were realities, and are often more influenced by the things that seem than by those that are. Niccolo Machiavelli
But no, he didn’t. Shull rejected resignation. The hyper-anguished Commission exposed itself as a paper tiger. So what now?
In their minds, their motive to do this was pure. It was a moral intervention, necessary and defense-able.
It was critical for staff to re-enforce the efforts of the department heads. Their unified statement of “power dynamics” that called them to “raise our voice” that was presented to the Commission, and highly circulated, could be problematic for them.
First, it failed in its objective. Shull was still standing. The carefully crafted wording of the statement did not provoke the result that they sought. It exposed their true weakness, that “power dynamics” was hollow, in spite of their self proclaimed “being on top of the structure.” Their action went well beyond their tax payer job descriptions that are posted on the County website.
The plot against Shull that was organized, and the statement produced, were a least partially or wholly done on government taxpayer time. That brings into question if it was in violation of ORS 260.432 that specifically bans political activity for public employees during business hours. If it wasn’t in violation, then at least thousands of taxpayer money were wasted.
Writer’s note: “The Lilliputians are men six inches in height but possessing all the pretension and self-importance of full-sized men. They are mean and nasty, vicious, morally corrupt, hypocritical and deceitful, jealous and envious, filled with greed and ingratitude — they are, in fact, completely human.” See link below
The public was confused and angry. To those who demanded removal of Shull, the system failed. This entrenched progressive system broke down when called to what seemed a necessary task. To Shull supporters, it confirmed the belief that County government is self-serving and partisan. The whole furor seemed like a mugging of Shull’s character and an attempt to overthrow the results of Shull’s election.
For Shull and his family, he was placed in harm’s way, with continuous verbal defamation, and even phone call death threats. Staff’s blindness to the human consequences of their haughty enforcement of “power dynamics” appeared to others to be cruel, dangerous and unnecessary.
To those employees under supervision of these department heads- the leaders lost face. And those employees that worked under department heads, that quietly objected to the spurious narrative, were no longer feeling pressure to think otherwise. To those employees that were not supporters of resignation, they needed convincing. The supporters needed substantiation to counter any arguments.
Meantime, behind the curtain, an operation was already in process that would condemn and weaken Shull’s ability to have respect and to function within the County administrative structure. His character would need to be labeled more intensely as a bigoted. Shull’s biography of achievements in career military service, as a successful businessman, community service and father would be ignored. He was to be “othered.”
And the County Administrator would do his part in the continued psychological warfare to force him to resign.
We can and must write in a language which sows among the masses hate, revulsion, and scorn toward who disagree with us. Vladimir Lenin
On January 12, 2021, two days before the vote on Commission to demand resignation from Shull, County Administrator Schmidt emailed the entire County employees. It was carefully crafted.
The salutation read “Dear Collegues.” Almost all were not collegues, neither in duties or pay grade, merely subordinates. He wanted to connect with them, and let them know he was one of them. He pampered them with praise writing,”You continue to impress me with your dedication and resiliency.” Schmidt then got right to creating a misleading narrative that would catch hold and inflate by the day.
The whole furor seemed like a mugging of Shull’s character and an attempt to overthrow the results of Shull’s election.
He launched into linking the January 6th event at the US Capitol, describing that situation as “violent actions” and to the social media posts by Shull before his coming into office. “Violence or harmful statements do not reflect the values of Clackamas County or its employees.” Schmidt sympathized with those employees affected by the fear of violence.
But fear not. He wrote, “Clackamas County is strengthened and enriched by our diversity.” He assured the employees they were not alone. They could reach out to supervisors and him. There was an Employee Assistance Program and a Racial Equity Hotline. For after all, “It is up to each of us to work toward healing ourselves before we can serve and heal our community.”
On January 21, 2021, one week after the Commission meeting censuring Shull Schmidt emailed all employees again. This time he forwarded an email statement by Shull that addressed his position on the volatile situation which included an attached Statement to Muslim Community. Shull confirmed his belief in the rule of law, and candidly addressed differences in policy that he had with his opponents. He emphasized his respect for all opinions and life style. He promised to work with kindness and effectiveness.
Schmidt forwarded this email message with no comment on the contents. He offered no encouragement to read it to help heal the situation. One could say Schmidt was only doing his job. That presumption would last until one read the next email by Schmidt.
Four days later, on January 25, 2021 Schmidt again emailed all employees. He referred to Shull’s email that he forwarded only days before. He wrote he was “asked” by Shull to send it. But, Schmidt writes, “ His statement caused more trauma and pain for many of you..” He goes on, “ Commissioner Shull’s views do not reflect my views or the views of the other County Commissioners or the views of Clackamas County as an organization.”
But examination of Shull’s email and his Muslim statement prompt questions as to what exactly Schmidt was disturbed over. In the body of the email Shull wrote about the need for free speech, thought, respect and kindness. He wrote frankly of his belief in the U.S Constitution for good government. He stated that controlled immigration and borders were necessary.
The attached address to the Muslim community was Shull’s request for forgiveness and understanding that his words caused hurt. He gave an in depth autobiography of his experiences with Muslims overseas when in the military. He concluded with saying, “ I must work to defuse the situation and build unity and peace, and maybe even promote a few smiles, some laughter and a feeling of joy to our situation.”
Shull’s biography of achievements in career military service, as a successful businessman, community service and father would be ignored. He was to be “othered.”
By Mr. Schmidt’s comments, one could conclude that County administration and Commission are in favor of open borders and against controlled immigration. And that Mr. Shull’s apology and desire to go forward in working with all people for a better community was lacking in sincerity. Perhaps, his overriding grievance was that Mr. Shull, as a Commissioner, had a right to address the County employees unfiltered.
Schmidt then reminds the employees that the Commission can only censure Shull, not remove him. Shull has his own decision to make. And at the least, “ The voters of Clackamas County will ultimately decide commissioner Shull’s future.” Oregon election law does not allow a recall by the voters of an elected official until that person has served 6 months in office.
In case any employee was uneasy in holding Shull in contempt, Schmidt assured it was safe. “Your accountability is to the public of Clackamas County through the operational leadership of Department Directors and ultimately the County Administrator.” Attachments to Schmidt’s email included the Censure Resolution and DEI Resolution.
“The mob rushes in where individuals fear to tread.” BF. Skinner
The internal groundwork was laid. It would be propped up by Shull’s collegues on Commission, County advisory groups, non-profits, unions and other county and city officials from around the State . Over the coming weeks and months they would keep the resignation demand front and center in the public eye.
Now after more than a year and a half the censure resolution has not been rescinded. Later on in the year, in a petty action, led by Chair Tootie Smith, the Commission voted to remove Commissioner Shull from his various advisory committee assignments. For a fig leaf of justification in doing this, a posting by someone on his social media was demonized and blown out of context.
On August 11, 2022 the Commission passed with a 3-2 vote An Ordinance Amending Clackamas County Code Chapter 6.03, Emergency Regulations, and Declaring an Emergency.
This Ordinance, greatly expands the definition of what is an emergency. What was added was “ malfeasance in office, or willful or wanton neglect of duty of a County public official, failure to meet statutory or regulatory requirements.” It states its purpose is not to divest any County official of their statutory duties. It allows for redirecting funds and staff to alleviate the emergency. The Ordinance gives more “ power dynamics” to the Commission.
Is there any doubt this new Resolution, if available on January 14, 2021, would not have been used against Commissioner Shull, invoking violation of Resolution 2015-96- A Resolution Valuing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Clackamas County?
Last: Part 1 – The Execution
Last: Part 2 – Psychological Warfare
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