The township board is investigating a claim that Parks & Recreation Director Rock Blanchard requested $2,500 from a contracted employee in order to extend the contract, among other claims.
Multiple members of the board verified that they were in receipt of a notarized letter dated Aug. 16.
In the letter, the contracted employee, who wished not to be identified, said, ‘I asked Mr. Blanchard what would help with maintaining an extension on my contract after the 2007 season. His reply was ‘a $2,500 donation to me would do it.??
Calls to Blanchard’s office were not returned prior to press time, though Supervisor Jerry Dywasuk said the Parks & Rec. director denied that he asked for a ‘kickback.?
The letter expresses numerous concerns over instructions given to the contracted employee by Blanchard.
‘This year has been tiresome and bothersome when dealing with Mr. Blanchard,? the letter reads. ‘He is unapproachable for fact of matter as I have watched him scream at his employees, flailing his arms violently, and sticking his finger in a pointing matter in employee’s faces? I have also endured being told to shut up and even been hung up on. Mr. Blanchard is proving that he is passionate to get my contract revoked immediately and replace me for simply doing as he instructed me to do.?
The contracted employee said legal action could result, though he’s certainly hoping for a more amicable solution.
‘I have been advised by my attorney to direct matters to the board and the public,? the letter reads. ‘I have enough witnesses to pursue legal action for extortion, and slander but choose to give option for resolution to the board and humbly request that immediate action be served.?
The board has not set a timeline for a decision to be made, though the issue has been discussed in executive session.
‘If you lose a contract, that’s business,? the contracted employee said. ‘But it shouldn’t be done like this.?
Dywasuk said the board was also investigating a second letter, from employees of the Parks & Recreation Department, expressing some additional concerns.