County Looks Into Complaints Of Parks Department Workers

Spokane County officials are investigating claims from nearly a dozen parks department workers that Director Sam Angove has created a hostile work environment.

County commissioners have asked the Human Resources Department to look into the complaints and prepare a report on the matter, said commission chairman Skip Chilberg.

Chilberg would not comment on the nature of the allegations other than to say his office was taking them seriously, “or we wouldn’t have requested an investigation or report on it.”

Angove, 58, who has served as county parks director for 26 years, said he has been notified of the complaints. He refused to discuss the matter further.

“There’s no way I can comment on that,” he said.

Commissioner Steve Hasson said 11 parks department workers have complained about Angove.

Most of them work in the department’s administrative office, where Angove has daily contact with employees, Hasson said.

“Several people have come forth and said Sam’s actions are demeaning and confrontational - that there’s a hostile work environment,” Hasson said. “There’s nothing in one specific area that’s egregious. There’s no poison pill.”

Commissioners met in private Monday to discuss possible disciplinary action against Angove, Hasson said.

That could range anywhere from censure to termination, he added.

“Sam’s on the line. There’s no doubt about it,” Hasson said.

Angove, who supervises 45 workers and a budget of $5.5 million, is known for an aggressive, sometimes abrasive, style. Hasson calls him a “blood-and-guts manager.”

In an 1986 interview with The Spokesman-Review, Angove summed up the philosophy he takes to his job:

“It’s our responsibility to do the best job we can, as aggressively as we can.

“You’ve got budgetary constraints, you have physical constraints, you’ve got political constraints, and sometimes those constraints are not meant for the meek.

“Sometimes, I’ve stepped on some toes,” he said.

He’s also known as a successful and selfless advocate for the county parks system.

When Angove took over as director, the county park system consisted of 12 parks. Today, there are 23.

He worked tirelessly to create a 1,400-acre natural area along the Little Spokane River, which is now considered one of the richest wildlife areas in the state.

During a budget crunch in 1982, Angove cut his position to part-time. He then waited out the year until he could be hired back at full salary the next year.

Hasson said that wouldn’t excuse Angove’s alleged behavior toward his employees.

“They deserve not to be belittled and berated,” he said.