Some Canyon County residents call for answers in allegations made against commissioner
A neighborhood group is asking that eight Canyon County officials who called for a county commissioner to resign hold a public forum to answer citizen questions and concerns.
The elected officials sent Commissioner Leslie Van Beek a letter earlier this month that said she misused her access to private information to pursue a “personal agenda” against the officials and county employees. The letter also accused Van Beek of engaging in the “systemic defamation of several” officials and employees.
That prompted the public-hearing request by the citizen group.
“If there are actions or activities by our elected officials that are illegal or that abuse authority, then you must answer to all of Canyon County, those citizens who elected you to represent them,” Kim Yanecko, a member of the group, wrote to the elected officials, with copies to various media outlets.
The county officials sent their letter to Van Beek on Feb. 1 and have yet to detail their concerns publicly.
Commissioner Keri Smith said she and the other officials are putting together a document to send to Idaho Counties Risk Management to confirm liability concerns. Idaho Counties Risk Management partners with counties for liability services.
“We are all being quiet to ensure the privacy of the people involved,” Smith said by phone Friday.
Van Beek replied to the letter without indicating any plans to resign, only the hope that the officials could work out their differences.
Yanecko emailed the eight officials multiple times, including on Thursday asking for more information and for the chance for concerned residents to speak to commissioners.
“A public hearing, recorded, with public comment, seems the most legal and effective way to bring any matters that affect us to the forefront,” Yanecko said. “If there is nothing to hide and everything is legitimate, then this request seems very reasonable. If something more nefarious, illegal or over-reaching, is occurring, then perhaps resignation is appropriate … the question is by whom or how many?”
In an emailed response to Yanecko, Smith said Yanecko’s request for a public hearing “does not follow basic principles for due process.”
Smith also asked Yanecko to work on her “approach to solving problems” and asked for “more kindness in this world.”
Smith said there would be no public forum, but the county is not “covering anything up” or “being deceitful.”
“Rest assured that the public will be informed at the appropriate time regarding specifics related to the resignation request to Commissioner Van Beek,” Smith said.
Yanecko said Friday by phone that she does not plan to back down.
The board of commissioners holds a community input meeting each month where residents are invited to speak on topics, but the commission can’t legally take any action.
Joe Decker, Canyon County spokesperson, said the input meetings would be the best place for residents to ask questions about the Van Beek letter.
The next meeting is at 5:30 p.m. Monday, March 7, at the Canyon County Courthouse.
This story was originally published February 12, 2022 at 4:00 AM.
CORRECTION: The next community input meeting with Canyon County commissioners is scheduled at 5:30 p.m. Monday, March 7. An earlier version of this story included an incorrect time and date.
