David Van Parys was hired January 6, through a unanimous vote of the Atchison County Commission, to fill the seat left vacant by now District Court Judge Patrick Henderson, with the County Counselor services contracted at $150 per hour with a 60-hour monthly cap.
Van Parys was terminated in December, 2016, from his role as Leavenworth County Counselor, with KSHB-TV the following September obtaining and releasing his termination letter. They reported that it stated Van Parys was warned multiple times about violating county policy, insubordination, dishonesty, poor job performance, absenteeism, and tardiness prior to his firing. Additionally, the TV station reported the letter said that despite counseling and an offer of help, Van Parys refused, leaving Leavenworth County "at serious risk due to his actions and a number of incomplete projects."
The KSHB report followed Van Parys' 2017 hiring as a consultant for Leavenworth County at a salary exceeding what the report said was more than he was making before his firing.
MSC News contacted the Atchison County Commissioners through their email of record Friday morning, providing a copy of the KSHB report and asking if the Commission was aware of the previous termination; if so, was there a reason it wasn't seen as a red flag; and, in light of the past controversy, is the Commission satisfied with their decision to hire Van Parys?.
3rd District Atchison County Commissioner and Commission Chair, Casey Quinn, responded on the Commission's behalf Friday afternoon, telling MSC News they "are absolutely satisfied and have no concerns with [the] decision," saying the Commission is "excited to welcome Mr. Van Parys onboard and have complete faith in his qualifications and strengths he brings to our organization," closing by saying the Commission looks "forward to Mr. Van Parys joining Atchison County."
As of Saturday, Henderson's email remained on Atchison County's official website as the contact for the County Counselor's office, leaving Van Parys unavailable for immediate comment.
