Sheriff Munsee’s Attempt to Hire Mark Aaron as Deputy Sheriff Shot Down by Tharan and Heasley

CLARION, Pa. (EYT) — Sheriff Rex Munsee’s plans to hire former District Attorney Mark Aaron for the vacant position of Deputy Sheriff were stalled on Tuesday morning when Commissioner Wayne Brosius voted “yes” and Commissioners Ted Tharan and Ed Heasley voted “no.”

The full-time, 40-hour per week, the non-exempt position was slated to start on February 3 at $12.01 per hour.

“I think it needs some review,” said Tharan when questioned about his “no” vote.

“We had a public defender position open, and Mr. Aaron used to be a public defender, and he didn’t apply for that position.”

“I would like to discuss it with our labor counsel,” said Heasley.

Commissioners did approve District Attorney Drew Welsh to hire Eric Spessard, former public defender, to fill the vacant position of the assistant district attorney, effective January 15. The full-time, exempt, 40 hours per week position includes a salary base of $64,800.00 and $5,200.00 on-call pay.

Welsh was also approved to hire Hayley Armstrong to fill the vacant position of district attorney office manager. The full-time, exempt, 40 hours per week position is effective January 27, 2020, at a salary of $36,000.00.