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Hernando Today

County Won't Release Fired Worker's Letter

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By HERNANDO TODAY STAFF

The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 13, 2008

BROOKSVILLE - If the county worker who was fired for reportedly asking another county worker for sex has provided the county with an explanation, the county isn't releasing it to the media.

Hernando Today this week requested the letter that former Property Management Coordinator Michael Silvey sent to the county requesting an appeal hearing to give him the chance to keep his job.

County legal staff provided the grievance form on which Silvey said he wishes to "answer these charges" that he violated the county's harassment and discrimination policy by asking a human resources employee for sex. Silvey also said he wants "an opportunity to state my position and address my imposed dismissal."

In a portion of the correspondence, Silvey requests that the hearing be scheduled for Sept. 24, "when I finish..." The county redacted the rest of the sentence.

The county also redacted an entire attachment to the letter that might have offered some insight into Silvey's alleged behavior.
Assistant County Attorney Jon Jouben cited the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. The act requires employers to protect employees' medical information.
Silvey couldn't be reached for comment.

Also enclosed in the packet was a notice from Clearwater attorney Edward Carlson notifying Silvey that Carlson would not be able to represent him.

"This is not an area of law where I, nor any member of my firm, practices," Carlson wrote. "I would advise that you contact an attorney who would be able to represent you at the hearing."

A hearing will be scheduled soon, Interim HR director Jerry Haines said.

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