Hasson Questions Way Duncan Hired

Spokane County commissioners officially hired a retired Air Force officer Tuesday to lead the county’s human resources department for $60,000 a year.

But Commissioner Steve Hasson expressed reservations over the way Chester “Ben” Duncan Jr. was hired.

Duncan, who lives on Spokane’s South Hill, was rejected for the job eight months ago in an initial screening because he didn’t - and still doesn’t - meet the minimum education requirements. Duncan’s college degrees are in an unrelated field - social work.

Hasson said he was “angry” that Duncan was hired after commissioners raised the job’s salary to lure better applicants.

Duncan belongs to the same Rotary Club as commission Chairman Phil Harris, but Harris has denied any cronyism.

“This process was fraught with conflict,” Hasson said, “and I plan to find out why.”

He voted for the hiring anyway, joining Harris and Commissioner George Marlton, who leaves office today when Democrat John Roskelley is sworn in.

, DataTimes