Due to a stress related illness, Independence Township Parks and Rec. Director Mike Turk has been ordered by his doctor to take time off work immediately.
‘I can no longer endure the continual miscommunication, the lies, and distrust that has caused me to be stressed beyond imagination,? Turk stated in an e-mail to his employees. ‘Much of this is caused because people who we work for just don’t care for anyone except themselves. E-mails written, phone calls made that are the easiest way to communicate were not returned. False statements at board meeting are another norm here.?
Supervisor Dave Wagner said he has not talked to Turk personally, but from reading his e-mail he is trying to understand where Turk is coming from and his situation.
‘Anybody who’s around here knows there is a lot of stress,? Wagner said. ‘Hopefully Mr. Turk will recover and get back to work. He’s been an employed here for over 30 years, a very good employee and we miss him.?
Turk further stated in his e-mail he would not return until he can ‘work under ‘normal? working conditions.?
‘My intent is to be off as long as it takes to be a stronger person when I return,? he said. ‘I have to tell you that if this problem does not go away, I will not return to something I love just because of money. I would rather be poor and happy, than make a few bucks and be around this type of atmosphere outside our (Parks and Rec.) office.?
Wagner said there is a lot of ‘loose ends? in the parks department, which needs to be addressed. Wagner was going to meet with Kelly Hyer from Parks and Rec. and Susan Hendricks to come up with a game plan. He said and update will be given at a later time.