By Brian Gawley
Peninsula Daily News
PORT ANGELES — Clallam County Commissioners met for 40 minutes Friday afternoon in executive session with legal counsel and information technology staff regarding Community Development Director Mary Ellen Winborn but took no action afterward.
The commissioners are scheduled to discuss appointing a temporary community development director to take Winborn’s place during their work session that begins at 9 a.m. Monday in the commissioners meeting room at the Clallam County Courthouse, 223 E. Fourth St. in Port Angeles.
On Thursday, Superior Court Judge Lauren Erickson granted a temporary restraining order to Prosecuting Attorney Mark Nichols and set another hearing for Aug. 11.
The order cites Clallam County’s concern that it could face “immediate injury” if Winborn were to continue in her role as an elected DCD director since any actions she takes in that capacity could be voided.
Winborn moved to Mississippi in May.
She has been visiting the county one day a month and was working remotely until the restraining order was imposed.
Winborn was elected to as Community Development Director in November 2014 and reelected in November 2018. Her term expires in December and she is not seeking reelection. Her position pays $101,000 annually.
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Reporter Brian Gawley can be reached at brian.gawley@soundpublishing.com.
