As the elected officials responsible for overseeing all County operations, the Commissioners have the most complete understanding of county matters. We have access to the greatest amount of information and facts that are available. Unfortunately, during the first six months of 2025, we were dealing with tort claims, multiple lawsuits, and several personnel issues, most of which were handled in executive session. With that, we have insight into the job done by True Pearce, as county attorney and Mr. Pearce has done his job and done it well.
When Mr. Pearce took office, he inherited significant problems: litigation, tort claims, unlawful decisions, disgruntled employees, insubordination, and long-standing failures to follow the law. Some of this resulted from poor legal guidance in the past. Fixing it required change, and not everyone accepted it. The claims being circulated about him misrepresent the facts, and are being pushed by individuals dissatisfied with lawful decisions they did not like. This may include some who were reprimanded, lost authority, or were prosecuted and convicted.
Claims that Mr. Pearce acted independently of the Commissioners or changed the code are false. The Board handled sensitive matters in lawful executive sessions and authorized him to carry out specific tasks. He has not exceeded his authority or attempted to direct the Board. He has done his job by providing legal guidance and protecting the County.
In some cases, resistance to the law required the Commissioners to step in and ensure employees and officials complied, honored authorized decisions and settlements, and followed the law and advice of the elected Prosecutor.
The recent letters contain false statements driven by disagreement with lawful actions, not wrongdoing. They should be recognized for what they are: attempts to subvert the laws of our county. It’s time to move forward and stop dividing the County over personal grievances and politics.
