Jerome Cook, former clerk of courts administrator, will replace Gassner and Stacy Carpenter, former clerk of courts administrative assistant, will fill Spurlock’s position, according to Prosecutor Michael Gmoser.
Both Cook and Carpenter were fired last month by new Clerk of Courts Mary Swain, who also was recently appointed by the Republican Central Committee to fill the office vacated by Cindy Carpenter, now a county commissioner.
Gassner and Spurlock are both in their 11th year at the prosecutor’s office and were hired when Piper was elected.
Gmoser said he planned to make changes in his administrative staff for weeks before taking office to bring in his own team to key positions, and that he has known Stacy Carpenter and Cook for years.
“It was a very difficult decision,” Gmoser said. “I think they (Spurlock and Gassner) are outstanding employees. There is no question about their competency.”
Both women agreed to stay on and train their replacements, and Gmoser said he will make recommendations to help them find work.
“It is disappointing,” said Spurlock, who was told she no longer had a job on the last Friday in February. “I am very proud of what we accomplish in this office and I hoped to be a part of the new regime. But Mr. Gmoser has to make the decisions he feels are right for the office and I respect that decision.”
Gassner said she was shocked when Gmoser told her he would “let her go.”
“I am sad to leave,” Gassner said. “I have a lot of memories and friendships here. Now it is just over.” She said she is proud of the way she managed the office’s finances, adding it was always able to stay within budget.
Gassner is not sure of her future plans, but said she will spend the summer gardening and may return to school to get her master gardener's degree.
Cook, who had served in the Butler County Clerk of Courts office since 1979, had served as administrator for the past 17 years. Cook said he's trained in every position in the clerk's office, including chief deputy and information systems director.
Cook was placed on paid administrative leave within a month of Swain's appointed, then was terminated through a letter along with three other employees.
"I am very fortunate to be able to continue my career in public service with our new prosecutor," Cook said. "Mike Gmoser displays an authenticity and clarity that is rare in today's world and I am proud to be on board. I am looking forward to working with a great team of people.”
Stacy Carpenter had no comment, according to her husband.
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