Thurston County declares racism a crisis, will examine hiring and other policies Drew Mikkelsen Replay Video UP NEXT Thurston County Commissioners voted unanimously to declare racism a crisis in the county. Under the declaration, County Manager Ramiro Chavez has until the end of June to create a County Racial Equity Plan. Chavez has been tasked to look at hiring practices at county agencies, as well as any other county policies that might negatively impact the county’s people of color. The declaration also calls for the community to get involved. “Businesses, non-profits, academia, large institutions, faith-based organizations, service clubs, and residents to also rise to the challenge of this crisis,” the declaration reads.