Letter to the Editor: Regarding employment practices at the county

By Sun Advocate

This is in response to the letter “Handling of open positions unfair” by Kelly Wilkinson that appeared in the Sun Advocate on April 27.
With regard to Ms. Wilkinson’s charges I can only speak for Carbon County. With regard to the position that Mr. Wilkinson applied for – Assessing Technician – he did not meet most of the hiring criteria, to be considered. Contrary to the information in Ms. Wilkinson’s letter, Mr. Wilkinson was not even interviewed for the position.
The person hired for the position is not the niece (or any other kind of relative) of the department head. The day of the interview was the first time she’d ever met her. Nepotism is a criminal act in the State of Utah. Complaints may be filed with the state.
Speaking of which, Mr. Wilkinson made a criminal complaint against Carbon County with Price City and also filed a complaint with the Department of Veteran’s Affairs both of which were found to be without merit.
Mr. Wilkinson did indeed put that he was a veteran on the application but did not even inform us that he was a disabled veteran. Under the laws of the United States and Utah, a veteran is supposed to be given extra points for being a veteran and still more extra points for being a disabled veteran. If the selection criteria are subjective they are to be given special consideration. However, that does not mean you have to give a job or an interview to a patently unqualified person.
Ms. Wilkinson said the “he should be interviewed for positions with any government entity.” That is not what the law says. First you have to be qualified.