The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

Dear Editor,

This is  being written in support of our latest Assistant Librarian Shakira Bye, who was recently fired from the job on a serious accusation and for which there is no evidence. We have been told that her dismissal is the ninth such in the last four years. People are asking, why have so many have been let go. These are expensive personnel hirings, and terminations are so damaging. Most of these workers were not given cause. Of course none is required in WA and apparently, none of them really complained, quietly letting it go and moving on. But Mrs. Bye’s situation is a little different in that a slanderous accusation was made at her dismissal. Though it has zero foundation, great damage has been done.  A popular and valuable employee lost her livelihood, and the good favor of her public is tattered. She will necessarily have to fight this.  And it will cost. No one hates this more that Shakira and her family and friends, and others are feeling the impact. So much has been done by Shakira and her associates to build up the Children’s programs, and these have been beloved, but now on the line as her style, expertise, idealism and commitment are hard to match. It is generally agreed on that these programs are some of our best insurance against losing our kids to drugs, poverty and discouragement.  It may significantly be said that Shakira has actively worked with law enforcement to create safe space. Let›s ask the Board to dig a little deeper to find out why this is all happening.

Martha Mason, Dayton