Dec 13, 2004 By Mark Roberts 4 min read

I’m happy to read that “some courthouse employees have long contended” I routinely allow my office employees to leave early on Election Day, because it makes it clear that I don’t do it only when my last name is on the ballot. I do give my staff the option. (To their credit, however, they don’t always exercise it.) My reason is simple. I know it’s sometimes difficult to find the time to vote, especially for those who hold two jobs (which many county employees are forced to do due to low wages), attend school, or have small children or other family members for whom they care. For those people, going to vote often means deciding to arrive late for their second jobs or classes, lose valuable time with family, or both. Permitting my employees to close the office a few minutes (or an hour) early means they don’t have to make those difficult choices. My staff often works additional time that they don’t report (which, although commendable, is a practice I discourage) so occasionally permitting them to leave a little early is a reward for their unselfish dedication.

I will address the three particular days questioned in a recent story.

Primary Election Day. My office was open all day. I’m unsure why Mr. Snyder would say he is “pretty sure” it wasn’t. I wouldn’t hesitate to admit closing it if I had. The real issue is why the Herald-Standard would print a comment from someone who clearly was uncertain about what he was saying.

Feb. 20th – the day my son was born. I don’t know what happened in my office that day, I was too busy being elated. Since my son was born at 1:58 p.m., and I had more on my mind than calling my employees to tell them they could close the office, if it was closed, it couldn’t have been for long. Regardless, I wouldn’t condemn my staff for feeling so close to me and my family that they couldn’t wait to share in our joy. Every boss should be so lucky.

General Election Day. Yes, my staff closed the office early because, again, I give them that option. But as my chief deputy informed Mr. Sunyak, they all intended to report (and have reported) leave for the time off, so I don’t see why the Herald-Standard views closing an hour early so newsworthy, especially since mine is more of an ‘internal’ office not typically visited by members of the general public.

I think the public should be aware of two other similar practices in place in my office because it’s important it knows where I stand on employee welfare.

Some time ago, I adopted an inclement weather policy which permits my staff, on days of unexpectedly dangerous weather (when indicated by school district delays/closings), to arrive for work late. I’ve also established a bereavement policy which allows leave for employees of my office when they lose loved ones not listed in the collective bargaining agreement (sons- and daughters-in-law, for example). And I’m pleased to say, as a tribute to their dedication and trustworthiness, they’ve rarely exercised these options either. Publicizing these practices may be a mistake, but if I’m to be penalized for my concern for the safety and well-being of my employees, I’m willing to pay the price.

I don’t mean to sound defiant. Perhaps my notion of taking care of my employees is different than others, or there’s just no place for such views in public service, but I don’t believe there’s anything wrong with these practices.

My staff, like most other county workers, works hard for ‘peanuts’ and lousy benefits about which I’m all but powerless to do anything.

What I do have the power to do is implement policies which provide my staff safety, comfort and a better opportunity to participate in a very important process.

Mark Roberts is the Fayette County controller.