SHAWANO, WI- Enforcement of Shawano County’s public comment policy led to a tense exchange between residents, supervisors and County Board Chairman Tom Kautza during Wednesday’s county board meeting.
At the start of the meeting, Kautza read the county’s rules for public decorum and public comment, reminding attendees that comments must be related to an item listed on the agenda. He also announced he would limit public comments to two minutes per speaker.
The issue quickly surfaced when resident Jackie Miller approached the podium seeking to speak about Executive Committee minutes. Kautza interrupted her, saying the topic was not eligible for public comment.
When Miller argued that approval of the minutes was on the agenda, Kautza disagreed.
“I’m not going to allow you to speak and start a disruptive deal again today,” Kautza said. “That’s what the rules are there for.”
A second resident, Tim Steffen later attempted to address the Executive Committee minutes, arguing they were included in the consent agenda and therefore should qualify for public comment. Kautza again denied the request.
“It’s published in the agenda for today’s meeting,” the Steffen said.
“We’re going to move right on with the agenda. It’s that simple,” Kautza replied. “We do not need any more controversy here.”
Steffen wished to address the board about being denied the oppertunity to be appointed to fill a vacant seat on the board. He wanted to address the exchange that he had with Kautza who mentioned during the Executive Committee meeting that he was not considering Steffen because he was the Chair of the County Republican Party.
Supervisor Joe Miller called that discrimination.
“I believe those comments were blatant discrimination based on a political affiliation,” Miller said.
He warned the county could face liability if concerns raised about the appointment process were not addressed and urged supervisors to consider filling the vacant seat through board action.
Miller also criticized what he viewed as an effort to shield county officials from criticism.
“The public and each and every one of us as elected officials are open to public scrutiny, criticism, support, whatever,” Miller said. “We put ourselves in that position.”
The discussion highlighted growing tensions over public participation, transparency and how county government should balance orderly meetings with residents’ ability to directly address elected officials.
The decisions prompted Supervisor Jeremy Gretzinger to question the restrictions placed on public speakers.
“If they’re not allowed to speak here, where do they address that issue?” Gretzinger asked.
Kautza suggested residents could submit a letter or send an email to county officials.
Gretzinger said he believed residents who take time to attend meetings should have an opportunity to speak.
“This is their time,” Gretzinger said. “I don’t understand why it would hurt to allow the people to speak.”
He added that he was “100 percent against” limiting speakers and argued the policy infringed on citizens’ rights.
“I’m a combat veteran. I fought for the freedom of speech of people to talk. God, just let them talk,” Gretzinger said. “If we did nothing wrong, we shouldn’t have anything to worry about. Let them speak.”
Kautza defended the policy, noting the rules had previously been approved by the board and were based on guidance from the Wisconsin Counties Association.
“All that’s done has caused a lot of drama,” Kautza said, referring to previous meetings. “And we don’t want any drama in the courthouse.”
No action was taken on changing the public comment policy, but several supervisors indicated the issue may return for future discussion.
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