Clarification

The Van Wert independent inadvertently put words into the mouth of Staci Kaufman, Vantage Career Center superintendent and a member of the Van Wert County Economic Development Advisory Group.

Using our written notes, we indicated Ms. Kaufman was blaming the county commissioners for unilaterally pulling out of the economic development contract with Ohio State University Extension. However, in referring back to our audio notes, we determined that interpretation was incorrect.

Although Ms. Kaufman did state the commissioners “blindsided” her group by issuing a termination, she was basically unhappy with the commissioners for not providing a formal job description for county Economic Development Director Sarah Smith, something she feels hampers discussions between the city and county related to developing a division of duties between Smith and OSU Extension Educator Cindy Leis.

We apologize for misinterpreting Ms. Kaufman’s statement.