Grubbe gets the boot

PERKINS TWP. — Citing her many instances of "disruptive" behavior, a high-ranking state official won't let a Democrat continue serving on Erie County's elections board.In a rare move, Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted, a Republican, deemed her unfit to oversee local voting matters."I conclude that Amy F. Grubbe would not be a competent member of the board and decline to appoint her to another full term on the Erie County Board of Elections," Husted stated in a letter released on Wednesday.Anyone seeking to serve on the elections board, which consists of two Democrats and two Republicans, must first receive an endorsement from their respective county party.But the final say, and ultimate approval, belongs to Husted, who can veto any recommendation.Husted — who, since becoming Ohio's chief elections officer in 2011, has only prohibited a handful of people from serving on county elections boards across the state — explained why Grubbe made his short list."The most recent term of Grubbe's service has been marked by controversies," according to Husted, who alluded to her "harassing treatment of staff, a poor relationship with the media and poor relationships with other governmental offices and entities."More importantly, Husted believes Grubbe "appears to lack the basic ability to get along with co-workers. This manner of behavior risks erosion of the essential public confidence underlying our democratic nature of governance."Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted refused to reappoint Amy Grubbe to the Erie County Board of Elections because of her "harassing treatment of staff, a poor relationship with the media and poor relationships with other governmental offices and entities."Husted's letter resulted from correspondence sent a few days prior by two Erie County commissioners.In their own letter to Husted, Democrat Pat Shenigo and Republican Matt Old asked Husted to not reappoint Grubbe, who's been an elections board member since 2007. The third commissioner, Democrat Bill Monaghan, didn't contribute to their letter."As county commissioners representing both political parties, we have strong objections to the open hostility and disdain Grubbe constantly directs at employees of the board of elections," according to their letter to Husted. "Her attitude and demeanor in board meetings is consistently hostile and overly aggressive and may well rise to the level of creating a hostile work environment."The commissioners have no authority in selecting who sits on the county's elections board. It's a responsibility entrusted with the secretary of state."Our board of elections employees, for years, have carried off flawless elections," according to the commissioners' letter. "We commend them for their hard work, dedication and professionalism. Our board of elections employees have managed to achieve these outstanding results even while under Grubbe's constant attack and hostile treatment. Despite their previous success, the director and her staff should no longer be subject to such behavior."Husted indicated his office, a little more than two years ago, contacted Grubbe to "temper her behavior.""These promptings were not heeded, however, and her poor behavior continued," Husted wrote.Husted fears Grubbe's antics "could result in financial liability to the county in the event an employee filed a successful lawsuit."State law requires Husted to select a Democratic replacement for the county elections board by March 1. The Erie County Democratic Party must name a potential successor, that's not Grubbe, by then.Complicating matters: Grubbe serves as the party's chair. It's not known who could replace her.Grubbe didn't respond to an email seeking a response from her. Grubbe previously told the Register she would only respond to media requests via email. Multiple calls placed to her cellphone went unreturned.Disgruntled over GrubbeAmy Grubbe has repeatedly displayed some questionable behavior in her role as an Erie County elections board member. Among the more notable:• October 2014: Grubbe sent a scathing email to a Republican elections board employee, criticizing both her attire and professionalism. No one board member has the authority to direct elections employees how to act or dress.• November 2014: Grubbe supported a board communications policy, limiting First Amendment rights and shutting down public discussion. After receiving criticism on this policy, the three other board members — two Republicans and one Democrat — voted against these measures.• Late 2014/early 2015: Grubbe became argumentative with the board's other three members, in two separate instances, after they questioned the attitudes of two problematic people she vouched for to become full-time board workers. One ended up quitting during her probationary period, and the other wasn't hired for perceived biases against Republicans displayed on his Facebook page.• April 2015: Grubbe demanded changes in how board employees jot down notes when recapping meetings. But she couldn't get support from other board members.• January 2016: Grubbe orchestrated a failed plot to remove the other Democratic board member, Kevin Zeiher, from office. She scheduled a vote of confidence against him, but Democrats ultimately submitted enough ballots to keep him in his role.• March 2016: Grubbe wanted Zeiher to resign as board chairman so she could slide into the powerful position, which controls elections-related business. Zeiher refused to relinquish the role.Related:• Grubbe accused of harassment• Who's afraid of Amy• Grubbe denies harassment accusations• Grubbe email stirs it up• Director targeted again• Grubbe outvoted again, storms out of meeting• Amy at it again• Amy loses vote, big timeReach reporter Andy Ouriel at ouriel@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @AndyOuriel.Grubbe, Amy