The Fayette County commissioners have dismissed their chief clerk, Amy Liston, following over 13 years of service. The decision, made during a voting meeting on November 14, 2023, was met with criticism from Liston, who publicly questioned the reasons behind her termination.
During the meeting, Liston revealed that on October 28, 2023, she was escorted from her office by two human resources employees and a sheriff’s deputy after receiving a termination letter signed by all three commissioners: Scott Dunn, Harry Dutch Kaufman, and Vince Vicites. In her comments, she asserted, “I would say it wasn’t my job performance. It was politics and personality.”
Liston emphasized her dedication to her role, stating that she worked in her office throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, even participating in Zoom meetings while recovering from the virus. Although her termination letter referenced her job performance, she noted it lacked specific examples of any disciplinary actions or negative reviews. She quoted a past remark, “I was told once I was too frank. So apparently frankness, or honesty, is not valued by these commissioners.”
Following Liston’s comments, the commissioners unanimously approved her separation from the role of chief clerk. Dunn stated that he could not elaborate on the specifics due to the personnel nature of the decision but mentioned that other staff members are temporarily managing her responsibilities. “Her duties have been distributed to other people temporarily, and we have not hired anyone to replace her,” Dunn confirmed.
The role of chief clerk involves a variety of essential functions, including assisting the commissioners, developing the county budget, preparing meeting agendas, and managing public open records requests. A job posting for the chief clerk position was subsequently listed on the county’s website on November 14, with the application period closing shortly thereafter.
Before her tenure with Fayette County, Liston worked as a reporter for the Observer-Reporter and Herald-Standard newspapers. Her departure marks a significant change in the county’s administrative landscape, raising questions about the ongoing dynamics within the commission.
The decision to terminate Liston has sparked discussions about the intersection of politics and public service, highlighting how personal relationships and perceptions can influence employment in government roles. As the county moves forward, the search for a new chief clerk will be closely watched, along with any potential implications for the remaining staff and the administration as a whole.
