A Carroll resident who travels around the community conducting what he calls “First Amendment Audits,” created a stir last week at a public office. Kade Anderson entered the county-owned Fricke Building and began walking the halls and videotaping what he saw as he made his commentary. The building houses Veteran’s Affairs, Carroll County Home Care Aides and Department of Human Services (DHS). After this incident, the directors for the agencies, Louie Grote, Megan Owen and Rosie Stotts, brought their concerns to the Board of Supervisors. Grote says the incident was a frightening eye-opener.
A video on Anderson’s YouTube channel, CountryKade, has been removed following the incident, but the privacy and safety of those who work there and those who come to the Fricke Building is at the top of everyone’s minds. Stotts says that having a private place to meet also helps retain the dignity of their clientele.
The DHS area is already secured by request of the state. What Grote and Owen are asking of the supervisors is that the hallways to the back offices be blocked from general public access until someone in authority grants admittance. Owen says just recently a client came in with three children who immediately split up and ran to the back offices and break room, and more security would eliminate that problem. Grote says it could also help provide a sense of security for staff in certain instances.
Grote is also requesting that a portion of the large lobby be sectioned off to create a private waiting space for veterans who are seeking services or are having problems with their services. The supervisors have agreed to look further into the issue and are scheduling a tour after their next meeting, Monday, April 22. Following that they will explore the options available.
