Adeline Hambley Hearing Update after Closed Session
Is there a settlement agreement between Ottawa County Health Director Adeline Hambley and the board?
Despite what has been reported in the main stream media, there is currently no binding settlement agreement between Ottawa County Health Officer Adeline Hambley and the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners (OCBOC). Negotiations began on November 6, 2023 when the OCBOC first entered closed session after two days of testimony regarding charges of incompetence against Health Officer Hambley, and a postponement for consideration of evidence. At the end of the closed session on November 6, the commissioners voted to accept the recommendations from corporate council regarding litigation and settlement activities in the case of Adeline Hambley as addressed during closed session. There were no official reports or statements regarding a settlement, as no binding agreement had been finalized.
Regardless, it was reported by multiple news outlets on November 8th that Ottawa County Health Director Adeline Hambley and the OCBOC had reached a settlement agreement. Some reports stated that multiple sources had provided information on the settlement. The Daily Beast article referred to statements from Commissioner Doug Zylstra and Commissioner Jacob Bonnema. In addition, Commissioner Jacob Bonnema provided a statement on his Facebook Page. This is interesting because a hearing was in progress, and according to the Open Meetings Act, none of the commissioners were permitted to speak on the topic.
Some media reports mentioned settlement agreements involving Deputy Health Officer Marcia Mansaray, but this was a hearing regarding the competence of Health Officer Hambley. What does the deputy administrative health officer have to do with Hambley's case? Why would Hambley’s attorney Sarah Howard be negotiating on behalf of Marcia Mansaray? It is likely that these media outlets have not communicated the entire story. Something is not right here. Howard's only obligation is to Hambley. The published stories do not add up based on the information that has been provided. Besides, if the commissioners are in the middle of a closed session and are not allowed to talk about it, how does any news outlet have a story about the settlement?
Here is what we do know. The 46.11 (n) hearing was resumed on Tuesday November 14, 2023, and the OCBOC once again entered into closed session shortly after opening the hearing. At the end of the day no binding settlement agreement had been reached and the hearing was scheduled to resume on Tuesday November 28, 2023 at 1:30.
Hambley is accused of demonstrating incompetence, misconduct, and neglect of duty in her position as Ottawa County Health Officer during the FY24 budgeting process by:
Making false public representations about budgetary scenarios. (p. 13)
Falsely claiming that she was not included in the budget process. (p. 17)
Failing to cooperate in the budget process. (p. 20)
Making false claims that encouraged and caused confusion, anxiety, fear, and panic in the community. (p. 21)
On October 24 and 25 the OCBOC held a hearing in accordance with MCL 46.11 (n) to provide Hambley the opportunity to be heard. During the hearing, Sarah Howard extensively questioned ten witnesses, but few of her questions related directly to the charges against Hambley, and appeared to be more of an attempt at character assassination and setting up future media narratives. On day two of the 46.11 (n) hearing, Howard raised an objection when County Administrator John Gibbs refused to answer a question, claiming that her client was not being given a full and fair opportunity to be heard which gave the appearance she was laying the groundwork for future litigation.
The hearing was resumed on October 30, 2023, but the meeting was brief, as commissioners passed a motion to reconvene on November 6, 2023 to provide more time for the evidence to be considered. When the hearing was resumed on November 6, an opening motion to enter closed session was passed. Hambley and Howard moved to a conference room to receive updates. At the end of the day, the board passed a motion to accept the recommendation from council in regards to settlement and litigation.
As a citizen with limited information, it is tempting to believe stories regarding this matter put forth by main stream media outlets who claim to have insider information. While parts of their story likely have some merit, it is important to note that the same people and organizations publishing updates on this story are the same entities that have commonly presented highly selective information in past attempts to frame stories in ways that support their political narratives and increase their influence over the public.
We can see the agents of chaos spreading propaganda and division. They are afraid. I am waiting for the full story before forming my personal opinion.