New lawsuit accuses Commissioner Clouse of sexual harassment, retaliation against aide

Thurston County is currently facing a lawsuit from a former executive aide to Commissioner Emily Clouse, who alleges sexual harassment and retaliation. The lawsuit, filed in Thurston County Superior Court, seeks damages and attorney fees, building on a prior tort claim that requested $750,000. These allegations arise after Clouse's suspension from advisory boards due to an internal investigation into her conduct, which included a workplace relationship with the aide. Although she retains her voting rights on the Board of County Commissioners, Clouse is barred from representing the county on other regional boards. The county has confirmed receipt of the lawsuit but has opted not to comment further due to the ongoing litigation.

Clouse's attorney has publicly denied the allegations, asserting that an internal investigation previously cleared her of any wrongdoing. This case raises important questions about workplace relationships and government accountability, and the community awaits the county's final report on the internal investigation.