Tensions are high in Utah County right now as a county commissioner faces allegations of sexual harassment and bullying.
Two of Utah County’s three Republican commissioners have asked their colleague, Greg Graves to step down. The Utah County GOP has also called for his removal. Graves, so far has declined. An investigator Utah County hired wasn’t able to confirm a sexual harassment claim a government employee made against Graves. But he did find instances of employee harassment, intimidation, and retaliation.
Bill Lee is chair of the Utah County Commission. He says Graves lost the trust of the public, his party, and fellow employees.
“When I go into the office now, I feel like I’m going into an environment in which everyone is concerned, even physically concerned about what might happen because of his explosive nature,” Lee says. “They’re asking for certain protections, having deputies walk through on a more frequent basis to doing drills in case of whatever they might think is the worst-case scenario.”
Right now, there’s no mechanism in the state for removing an elected official from office short of criminal charges.
Lee says he’s talking with Utah legislators about the need for such a law.
Graves did not respond to a request for comment.
Utah County Investigation Report on Greg Graves by Judy Fahys on Scribd
