“I would like to talk to you about the process of hiring your aid.”
Because of the age discrimination lawsuit Ottawa county Administrator John Gibbs says he can’t discuss why he chose 23-year-old Jordan Eperson to be his senior executive aid.
“I’m not able to discuss that due to ongoing litigation.”
But others on the committee that interviewed the 2 finalists are admitting under oath age was a factor when Gibbs selected comparatively unqualified Epperson instead of 49-year-old army veteran Ryan Kimball for the aide position. Here’s former county deputy administrator Patrick Waterman.
“We asked what it was about Mr. Epperson that he liked and he said he felt he was younger than him and he could boss him around.”
“I was directed to hire him.”
Sworn testimony about hiring Epperson was heard during the termination hearing for county health officer Adeline Hambley. Her attorney, Sara Howard asked Human Resources director Marcy Verbeek about the choice.
“You felt Mr. Kimball was better qualified for the position is that correct?"
"Personally yes."
"Did Mr. Gibbs tell you why he preferred Mr. Eperson?"
"During one of the first sessions a comment was made that he would be able to boss Jordan around. “
Here again former Deputy County Administrator Patrick Waterman.
“Your position was Mr. Epperson resume and work experience did not meet the posted job qualifications, correct?"
"That’s correct."
"What was the recommendation of the committee about who should be hired for the position?"
"We had said Mr. Kimball. We all said age shouldn’t matter in this decision.”
