Politics & Government
Mayor Earling Officially Fires Kim Cole; Advertising for Executive Assistant
The move was expected, as Cole was executive assistant to former Mayor Mike Cooper.
In a move that was expected, Mayor Dave Earling today terminated the employment of Kim Cole, who had served as former Mayor Mike Cooper’s executive assistant.
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Because Cole was still officially on the city's payroll, Earling's first action as mayor means that she will not be receiving future paychecks from the city, said interim Human Resources Director Carrie Hite.
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"Ms. Cole has always understood that she reported solely and directly to Mayor Mike Cooper," said James Spencer, Cole's lawyer. "And as such (she) expected Mayor Earling to select his own executive assistant. She wishes the mayor best of luck in dealing with the challenges facing the City of Edmonds."
Cole, a Lynnwood City Councilmember who previously has said she would not be returning to work for Edmonds, resigned her position on Sept. 22. She created by certain employees of the city of Edmonds, including former Human Resources Director , who Cooper fired.
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The settlement agreements between Cole and Cooper were later in a 7-0 vote.
Earlier this month, City Councilmember D.J. Wilson, who lost in the general election to Joan Bloom, for his role in attempting to arrange a settlement for Cole.
According to the city code and personnel policies, the position of the Mayor’s executive assistant serves at the pleasure of the Mayor, said Earling in a news release. He added that he has the authority to terminate the services of Cole and hire an executive assistant that will serve at his will.
"Mayor Earling would like to thank Kim Cole for her prior services and wishes her the best," the news release said.
Earling is now seeking an executive assistant and a job posting, which closes Dec. 7 at 4:30 p.m., can be viewed on Craigslist.
The position, which includes health and other benefits, starts at a minimum of $4,812 per month, up to $6,015 per month, DOE, with a potential salary maximum of $7,218 per month.
As with all City employees, however, there are no Social Security benefits.