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The Salt Lake County Republican Party voted Thursday night to censure chief deputy recorder Julie Dole, accusing her of manipulating her boss and covering up what appears to be his mental-health problems.

The party said in a news release that Dole made false statements in a "deliberate attempt" to assure that Salt Lake County Recorder Gary Ott, a Republican, is fit to do his job, despite concerns about his performance and management.

Dole told The Salt Lake Tribune that she "never made any claims about Mr. Ott's health or competency." Ott's bout with shingles and an accident that injured his hand — both of which the 64-year-old has spoken about publicly — are the only things she's mentioned, Dole said.

"I'm not his care provider," she added, noting that she's "not qualified" to discuss his well-being.

The County Council ordered an audit of Ott's office, which was discussed at an Oct. 4 meeting during which the recorder was unable to answer basic questions about his work. The elected official is believed to be suffering from diminishing cognitive skills.

Some council members questioned whether Dole and Ott's aide and girlfriend, Karmen Sanone, are manipulating Ott, who makes about $150,000 a year. The audit found that the office complies with all state and county laws, but that Ott rarely is involved in the day-to-day operations.

Suzanne Mulet, chairwoman of the Salt Lake County GOP, said Dole has been "dishonest in hiding [Ott's] health status."

"The [county] Republican Party has been disaffected by Ms. Dole's repeated attempts to mislead the public," she said in the news release. "Further, her behavior not only affects the public, but has irreparably tarnished the legacy of Gary Ott's many years of effective and admirable public service."

Dole, who also serves as a senate chairwoman in the county party executive committee, says the vote to censure was an attempt to "publicly embarrass me."

"They're cowards," she said, later adding: "I was hired to do a job, and I do that job, and I do it well."

The censure doesn't carry any actionable punishment, but it serves as an expression of disapproval.

Because he is elected, neither the County Council nor the mayor can force Ott to resign, short of any criminal activity on his part. The county Republican Party is calling on the Utah Legislature to change the law to give local government those means of removal for an elected official unable to do a job due to declining mental or physical health. Ott's term in office expires in 2020.

ctanner@sltrib.com Twitter: @CourtneyLTanner