Nov. 7, 2020 10:45a
(WGTD)---The Kenosha County Board usually takes care of business without a lot of bold headlines. Lately, though, the board has developed a penchant for drawing unwanted attention to itself.
For months, a handful of supervisors have refused to wear face masks at meetings, apparently for political reasons. At a meeting that followed the Jacob Blake protests, a supervisor turned her back to the audience during citizens' comments because she was offended by posters that had been taped to the wall. Speakers were livid.
Last Thursday, the board narrowly failed to approve next year's proposed capital improvements budget for the county, jeopardizing the purchase of body cams for sheriff's deputies, roads projects and a memorial park for veterans. The annual resolution to approve the capital budget is considered a formality after details are hashed out at the committee level.
After the budget failed to pass Thursday, the board adjourned amid a quick round of finger-pointing and chaotic cross-talk.
The surprise vote--coming up one 'yes' short of the needed three-quarters majority-- apparently was the result of long-standing political and personal differences. Supervisor Jeff Gentz called it a "stupid stunt."
Lon Wienke, Erin Decker and Mark Nordigian--supervisors who represent western districts--all voted 'no' without offering reasons. Ironically, their districts stood to gain the most from the projects that were voted down, as City of Kenosha residents are mostly affected by the capital budget that's approved by the city council.
Also voting against the county's capital budget was Gabe Nudo, a supervisor who represents a district within the city. Nudo unsuccessfully tried to make the body cam expenditure a line item within the operating budget.
Zach Rodriguez abstained without explaining why.
None of the six responded to an email from WGTD News by mid-morning Saturday.
In reality, the capital budget is expected to eventually gain enough votes. For one thing, Thursday night's meeting was lacking a member---Amy Maurer had been excused. Had Maurer been present the budget would most likely have been approved with the three-quarters vote.
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