BELLINGHAM, Wash. – Bellingham Mayor Seth Fleetwood says an independent investigation he launched into working conditions at the city’s Municipal Court is almost done and he intends to take action if necessary.
His statement follows the decision by a Skagit County judge, who granted an injunction temporarily halting the investigation.
Judge Deborah Lev filed a lawsuit against the mayor’s office, asserting the court is an independent branch of city government under her control.
Lev, Court Administrator Darlene Peterson and Jail Alternative and Diversion Manager Kathy Smith have been accused of mismanagement and have refused to cooperate with the investigation.
Court staff recently walked off the job, citing intolerable working conditions and constant fear of retaliation if they assisted in the investigation.
Fleetwood says he has a responsibility to ensure healthy working conditions for all city employees, and that is his only goal in his actions with the court.