Former Dubuque County official cites ‘unsafe work environment’ for resignation
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Former Dubuque County official cites ‘unsafe work environment’ for resignation
Former Dubuque County Recorder Karol Kennedy says she’s leaving the position because of an “unsafe work environment,” according to her resignation letter, dated July 9, 2025. Deputy Recorder Andrea Hartmann told the board the office is understaffed and underappreciated. Supervisor Harley Pothoff says he was also surprised to hear about an ‘unsafeWork environment’ and political cliques. “Losing her will be felt for years to come,’ says Hartmann.“We all have to work together regardless of the political party you’re affiliated with.”
The Dubuque County Board of Supervisors appointed Ann Sweeney as the new recorder on August 11th, before approving a communications item indicating the former recorder’s reason for resigning, which is set for August 18.
Dubuque County Supervisor Harley Pothoff says Kennedy’s resignation surprised him, as he expected her to serve in the role until the next election in 2026. Pothoff says he’s reached out to Kennedy several times but has never heard back.
On July 14th, when the board discussed how to fill Kennedy’s vacancy, Dubuque County Deputy Recorder Andrea Hartmann told the board the office is understaffed and underappreciated.
“It used to feel like we came to work to do the best we could for the public. It feels like that has changed. Cliques, political jockeying, losing support because we choose not to engage in the drama,” says Hartmann. “It has become a culture of, ‘What do I get out of it?’ Instead of, ‘How can I help?’”
Pothoff says he was also surprised to hear about an “unsafe work environment” and political cliques.
“I haven’t seen anything like that taking place, and I would address it if I did because we all have to work together regardless of the political party you’re affiliated with. We have to keep moving Dubuque County forward, not individual priorities,” says Pothoff.
Pothoff says the Dubuque County Human Resources Department is looking into work conditions and Hartmann’s comments.
“I think it’s in everyone’s best interest to be less involved in the politics and the building gossip and focus on what we’re actually here to do. We’re civil servants. We’re here to work,” says Hartmann.
“If anybody feels like they’re being targeted, they can come to me,” says Pothoff. “I tend to try to work with everybody. I wasn’t aware of anything political. I thought everybody got along with Karol.”
Hartmann suggests Kennedy’s resignation will leave a void.
“If you ask me, Karol resigned because she did not get the support she needed. She needed support from everyone, including the elected officials,” says Hartmann. “Losing her will be felt for years to come.”
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