DSHS administrator cited in audit

By Jonathan Martin
Seattle Times staff reporter

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To 500 state workers in Pierce and Kitsap counties, she is Linda J. Evans, boss.

The problem, according to the state auditor, is that Evans mixed up her roles.

In response to a whistle-blower complaint, the state auditor yesterday cited Evans, a high-ranking administrator at the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), for hiring her church members for state jobs, soliciting employees for tithes to her church in Tacoma's Hilltop neighborhood, and advertising prayer sessions at the office. She even sold her church's videos at work.

"We all have the right of religious choice and expression," said state Auditor Brian Sonntag. "But this is an issue of employment practices, and use of public-owned equipment, facilities or time."

It's now up to DSHS to deal with the audit findings, Sonntag said.

In a statement, the social-services agency said it was reviewing this latest audit report and "determining if additional investigation is required." The agency declined to say what it may do about Evans. Her boss, Deb Bingaman, did not respond to interview requests.

The audit report caps a rough three years for Evans, who has continued to draw her $75,000 annual salary since being put on paid home leave in February.

Two previous state audits in 2001 and 2002, as well as an unsuccessful civil lawsuit filed by a former DSHS employee, challenged her hiring practices and financial oversight.

But the most persistent complaint, leveled by a group of employees, is that Evans is essentially running a theocracy from her DSHS office. They say it's tough to get promoted without attending Evans' church and note that she hired her daughter-in-law and a church member to unadvertised positions.

Evans, who runs welfare programs in DSHS Region 5, yesterday denied all of the auditor's findings and said she expects to be back at work soon.
 
"I'm a taxpayer and understand the separation of church and state," Evans said. "I'm known in the community as a person who believes in the power of prayer. As long as I'm not giving any preference to people who believe like me, there's nothing wrong here. I did nothing wrong."

A small group of her employees says otherwise, and complained to DSHS Olympia headquarters, to the state's Executive Ethics board, and finally to the state auditor.

The latest audit report said she'd violated state policies against the private use of public resources, and policies barring employees from gaining "special privileges" from public work.

Evans formed The Upper Room Fellowship Ministry in 2003, with at least two of her employees on the board of directors, according to state corporation records and interviews. The church, which operates in a storefront, has about 35 members, Evans said.

According to the audit, Evans registered her work address for church-related mail, and she received calls and e-mails about church business at work. She also posted advertisements at DSHS offices for her prayer group, and answered to "Pastor Linda" at work. Her greetings were often a cheery "Bless you, sister," or "God bless you."

"To me, it would be fine if she could keep (private and public roles) separate," said one employee, speaking anonymously for fear of retaliation. "But she clearly has not been able to do that. She's clearly crossed the line."

Evans, on her attorney's advice, declined to respond to other allegations from the whistle-blower complaint, including her compensation from her church. Whistle-blowers said the question is relevant because she bought a former Travel Lodge motel in Tacoma for $1.1 million in February.

When asked about the investment, she said she planned to use profits to support her church.

Her attorney, Steven Meeks, said another question is more relevant: "Does a state employee have to check their beliefs at the door?" he said. "It could be a big constitutional issue."

Times staff researcher Miyoko Wolf contributed to this report.

Jonathan Martin: 206-464-2605 or jmartin@seattletimes.com