I am writing to you as the human resources manager for the city of Oak Harbor. The Whidbey News-Times published an article on June 8 which quotes two current employees on personnel matters concerning previous employees. Any employee of the city of Oak Harbor is, of course, free to speak out on their personal opinions but it must be clarified that they do not speak for the city.

As a matter of city policy, personnel matters are confidential and the city does not authorize the release or distribution of that information. Personnel information is kept in the Human Resources office and is only accessible to appropriate supervisory personnel.

It should be clear that neither of the individuals quoted in the article are authorized to speak for the city on the personnel issues raised in the article, nor do they have official access to the personnel records at issue. In both situations mentioned, progressive discipline was not at issue because neither separation was disciplinary.

Jessica Neill Hoyson
Human Resources Manager
City of Oak Harbor