The policy and process for firing or suspending Kootenai County employees are headed for major changes. County Commissioners David Stewart and Marc Eberlein -- both elected last fall -- favor a personnel policy that establishes a clear process for firing employees. They're looking to overturn a policy set by the previous board of commissioners. Stewart and Eberlein believe the new policy would open communication between the county and employees and provide the employees with opportunities to correct behavior and job performance before being terminated. Currently, the county is an "at-will" employer, so employees can be fired at any time and with no reason given. No advance notice is required. The current county personnel policy manual states "either the employee or Kootenai County may terminate employment at any time and for any reason." Stewart and Eberlein recently gave direction to the county human resources department to begin the process of changing the policy to "for-cause" employment. Commissioner Dan Green opposes making such a move/David Cole, Coeur d'Alene Press. More here. (Shawn Gust's Press photo: Stewart speaks to Coeur d'Alene Chamber of Commerce crowd while Green, center, and Eberlein listen)

DFO: Hmm. Stewart and Eberlein might be onto something here. Thoughts?