| Mark Mauren recently stepped down as down as director of Kitsap County’s Department of Facilities, Parks and Recreation, amid some quiet controversy. The question is, did he jump or was he pushed?
He joined Kitsap County in October 2005 following more than twenty years of service with Washington State Department of Natural Resources. In announcing his decision, Mauren stated, “I’ve enjoyed my work with the county over the past six months. However, I’ve come to realize that the commitment of time and energy this position requires is taking away from quality time with my family. Also, my first love is natural resources, so I would like once again to focus my career in that direction.”
Mauren was rumored to have been undermined by his own staff. A source within the courthouse, speaking on the condition of anonymity said, “Mark had some conflicts with the staff, and they did him in. It’s kind of like the tail wagging the dog around here, but it is what it is.”
Mauren was well liked by users of the county’s park system, and at a joint public hearing with the county’s Planning Commission and Parks Board concerning the county’s Open Space Plan, several people testifying lamented his departure as did at least two Parks Board members.
Until the position can be permanently filled, Beverly Reeves, the department’s superintendent of operations, will be responsible for overseeing the daily operations for the department, which has approximately 60 full-time employees and an annual operating budget of $5.5 million.
“We are sorry to see Mark go, but we mutually agree that sometimes an individual is just not the right fit for a particular position for any number of reasons,” said Jan Angel, Chair of the Board of County Commissioners. “With his vast experience in natural resources, I am sure Mark will be able to find a position that better suits his professional interests and will take less time away from his family.”. |
