Mar. 24, 2023 1:30p
(WGTD)---There will be no more fights over Kevin Matthewson’s controversial appointment to the Kenosha County Emergency Planning Committee.
In a story posted on his website---kenoshacountyeye.com---Matthewson said he informed County Executive Samantha Kerkman that he is taking his name out of consideration.
Matthewson indicated he felt he could not be an independent journalist producing unbiased stories and still hold local government accountable while serving on a county committee.
Matthewson is currently engaged in a lawsuit against the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department and he said couldn’t sit on a county committee when he is alleging wrongdoing on the part of the county. He said “it is a conflict that cannot be deliberately overlooked.”
Kerkman appointed him to serve on the Emergency Planning Committee in early March. The appointment drew heat because Matthewson had formed the so-called Kenosha Guard Militia in response to the 2020 Jacob Blake riots.
The style and nature of his online news and opinion site also raised eyebrows. Crystal Miller, an unsuccessful Republican legislative candidate, sent a letter to the County Board opposing his appointment. She claimed that---on his website---Matthewson consistently exhibits hate and berates and attempts to ruin anyone who is different from him.
The nomination was also opposed by Congregations United to Serve Humanity and other groups.
Kerkman issued this statement in response to a request by WGTD for comment: "I appreciated Mr. Mathewson’s willingness to serve on the committee, but I understand the challenges that he laid out in his statement announcing his withdrawal from consideration. I will continue working to fill the rosters of this and other committees with qualified individuals who have an interest in serving their community.”
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