Question: How is behavior on a grade school playground different from the squabbling taking place in Spokane County government?

Answer: On a grade school playground, somebody would be given a timeout.

Let’s face it, Regional Health Director Kim Thorburn has a history of getting at cross purposes with people she works for and with – and even over. Her most recent adversary is County Commissioner Mark Richard, who has characterized Thorburn’s conduct and comments as “disrespectful” and on the verge of insubordination.

In the past, Thorburn has clashed with former Commissioner Kate McCaslin (more than once), Spokane City Councilman Bob Apple, her own Regional Health District nurses and both the Board of County Commissioners and the District Health Board in general.

“I’ve had it with your abuse of power,” she once e-mailed McCaslin in a dispute over aggressive regulation of espresso stands.

This week, it came to light that Richard let his frustration spill over during the Sept. 22 meeting of the Board of Health. According to the minutes, he didn’t like things she’d said in the press about his and his fellow county commissioners’ coziness with business. And he sensed angry body language from her at an American Red Cross meeting, where she told him the seats at her table were all claimed by others.

As director of the Health District, Thorburn works for the Board of Health, which includes several local government officials, such as Richard, Apple and previously McCaslin. This isn’t the first time she has expressed open criticism of their stands, and Richard isn’t the first to take exception.

Last December, the Board of Health took a vote of no confidence in her. For that matter, the Health District nurses who work for her took a similar vote in 2000. Thorburn does not flee from controversy.

That can be both bad and good. She stands up for what she believes, and she doesn’t let phony courtesy cloud her message when she has something to say. Honest clarity in a public official is commendable.

But she can also be outspoken and unbending, which often gets in the way of effectiveness, especially when one needs the political cooperation of others to get anything done.

At the same time, Richard’s concern about being snubbed at a Red Cross meeting reveals a maturity issue he might want to work on as well.

It’s worth noting that Thorburn, rough edges notwithstanding, is highly regarded in her field. Gov. Chris Gregoire recently tapped her as chairman of the state Board of Health. For that matter, Spokane Valley City Councilman Dick Denneny, who is chairman of the Spokane Regional Health District board, said personality issues are behind most of the conflicts between the board and Thorburn.

“There’s never been a question of her qualifications or ability to perform as a health official,” he said.

That’s an important distinction for all involved to remember. Manners are important, but competence is vital.

Now, please, everybody, play nice.