Davis receives second chance at her second chance

By: Chelsea Good

An Isabella county woman can finally begin her new life. Darcy Davis has been hired by the Materials Recovery Facility after a re-vote by the Isabella County Board of Commissioners.

Davis, who is completing rehabilitation after a felony drug charge, was originally denied the position after board members voted against hiring her.

News of that vote, along with the false report that Davis had already completed drug court caused an outpouring of arguments and opinions from members of the community.

“There was some misinformation that was affecting people's perception of what had happened,” said County Chairman David Ling.

“Ms. Davis hadn't completed drug court at the time. She had gone through a 90 day rehabilitation program, and had successfully completed phase one of the program.”

The fact that Davis had been charged with a felony involving a controlled substance concerned the majority of the commissioners and led them to vote against hiring her.

“Following the decision, a number of members of the community indicated to various commissioners their concern about the decision.”

Those concerns were a factor in the board’s decision to re-visit the issue. Some of the commissioners who had originally voted no proposed that Davis be hired for a probationary period.

“Normally a new county employ is on probationary contract for six months, during which they may be fired without cause and without access to the grievance system,” said Ling.

“In Ms. Davis' case that period will probably last a year or more.”

The commissioners felt Davis’ probationary period should last until she successfully completes drug court. The final numbers in the re-vote to hire Davis were 6-1. Only Commissioner Christine Alwood voted no.

“I can appreciate why other members of the Board were concerned that the decision to employ her before the completion of the program posed an unacceptable risk,” said Ling.

“I respect their decision and was pleased that they were able to find a proposal that both addressed their concerns and met the community's desire to help this woman get a fresh start.”