https://sites.google.com/view/ recall-charlie-knapper

Voters in Gering and Terrytown have an opportunity to make a significant change in our communities. Ballots will be mailed to registered voters on August 18 asking the question “Shall Charlie Knapper be removed from the office of Scotts Bluff County Commissioner?” A vote of YES by September 9 paves the way for more principled leadership. You deserve fair-minded and effective representation and YOU can make it happen. Vote YES!

Vote YES to Recall Commissioner Charlie Knapper

Mail-in Ballots due by September 9, 2025

Installment 1

Note: the following is the first installment of a series called, The Brenda Files. Future installments will address additional matters surrounding commissioner Knapper's treatment of Tourism Director Brenda Leisy.

The Brenda Files, Charlie style! In an effort to sway voters, Charlie Knapper has presented HR-protected documents to the unprotected internet for all the world to see. One claim he makes is that Brenda was reprimanded because she was disobedient three times prior to him filing Corrective Action Forms against her. Let us look at this alleged document that he stands behind and break this down into four very simple points:

Issue 1:

The document holds a section titled "When WARNED and by WHOM", which is clearly visible in his video. While there are names in boxes representing 1st, 2nd, and 3rd occurrences, alleging the 'WHOM', there are no dates in the boxes as to when said warning(s) took place. Brenda's supervisor was Charlie Knapper during this time, yet according to him, Jean Bauer and Melissa Price somehow held supervisory authority over Brenda because he created a document that says so. I researched records trying to find when Jean Bauer or Melissa Price supervised Brenda during her tenure as Tourism Director, but that relationship does not exist; Melissa Price is not even employed by the County in a supervisory capacity. So, how was Brenda warned by folks that have no supervisory authority over her position?

Issue 2:

Was Brenda ever warned? Charlie claims that "...she wasn't warned about it but received an email...", so what really took place? If she was not warned, then why create a document to make the situation appear to be something it is not?

Issue 3:

While Brenda holds a right to disseminate documentation that pertains to her, Charlie is not a county employee and has not been Brenda's supervisor for some time now, so why does he have protected HR documents in his personal possession outside of the County building?

Issue 4:

There was an investigation performed by a third party, paid for by our tax dollars, that remains unobtainable yet is directly tied to Charlie's actions on behalf of the County. Charlie claims he was acquitted, yet the public is being hamstrung because the County will not release the allegations and findings of the investigation. I find this demoralizing and ethically challenging that anyone in this situation, much less an elected official, can make such a circumstantial claim that clearly obfuscates fact-checking, likely more serious. He continually claims to be transparent but is acting in much the opposite direction.

Click here to read the Star Herald article about the community's response to Brenda Leisy's suspension.

March 17, 2025, Scotts Bluff County Commissioners Meeting - Why Did Knapper Want a Secret Hearing?

This video captures a pivotal moment at a County Commissioner meeting. Commissioner Knapper attempted to move into a closed session to discuss the employment status of appointed official Brenda Leisy. However, Leisy exercised her right as a public employee to request that the discussion be held in a public meeting.

Viewers should pay close attention to Knapper's attempts to override legal counsel's advice and his effort to pressure and intimidate Brenda Leisy into rescinding her request for a public hearing. This video demonstrates a disregard for established legal procedures and a pattern of behavior that undermines a professional and fair work environment.

March 31, 2025, Scotts Bluff County Commissioners Meeting - Public response to the treatment of Brenda Leisy

This clip features a series of public comments from concerned citizens and county officials, including Register of Deeds Jean Bauer. They speak directly to the County Commission about the controversial move of the Tourism Office and the related issues concerning Brenda Leisy. The comments highlight the growing public dissatisfaction with the decisions and conduct of Commissioner Knapper.

April 21, 2025, Scotts Bluff County Commissioners Meeting - Knapper grills Leisy about a Tourism Board recommendation.

After Commissioner Knapper moved the Tourism Office from its high-traffic location at the Legacy of the Plains Museum, a new problem arose: the loss of free volunteer assistance. This move disrupted the office's operations and ultimately led to the Tourism Board recommending a new, paid part-time assistant. This new position, funded by Lodging Tax Dollars, highlights how a single, unvetted decision can have a direct financial impact and create new costs. The video captures Commissioner Knapper's extensive comments on the matter.

July 7, 2025, Scotts Bluff County Commissioners Meeting - Knapper admits to the existence of an investigation into his retaliatory behavior, paid for by taxpayers

This clip captures the moment a previously undisclosed, taxpayer-funded investigation into Commissioner Charlie Knapper's behavior was revealed. During a discussion about performance evaluations, resident Lisa Betz-Marquez raised concerns, leading to the disclosure of an investigation into allegations of retaliatory behavior by Knapper toward an appointed official, Brenda Leisy. The video highlights the need for transparency and accountability from the County Commission regarding the use of public funds and the professional conduct of its members.

May 6, 2024, Situla Solar Zoning Change Request

Part 1

May 6, 2024, Situla Solar Zoning Change Request

Part 2

May 6, 2024, Scotts Bluff County Commissioners Meeting - Knapper's Unprofessional Behavior in Zoning Discussion

The following two videos of the May 6, 2024 meeting, demonstrate Commissioner Knapper's highly unprofessional and disrespectful behavior during a zoning change request for a solar project. While the discussion is lengthy, it is crucial viewing. Pay close attention as Knapper repeatedly treats representatives from the Situla Company and their attorney with a level of disrespect that may have created legal liabilities for the county. This video offers a stark example of Knapper's approach to governance and his inability to engage in civil discourse, even on significant economic matters. Because of Knapper's actions, the Situla Solar Project, which would have brought a windfall of new tax revenue to the county, was tanked.

Situla Explained for Website Viewers.pdf

Click to see this story on the Star Herald Website

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