SHAWANO, WI- The Shawano County Board has filled its vacant District 27 supervisor seat, appointing Almond resident Steve Pollack during Wednesday’s county board meeting following a lengthy discussion about the process used to select the candidate.
Pollack was approved by a 19-5 vote, officially filling the seat left vacant after the resignation of former District 27 Supervisor Teresa Serrano earlier this year.
However, the appointment came after more than an hour of debate involving public comment rules, the role of the county board chair, and whether other potential candidates should have been considered by the full board.
Debate Over Meeting Agenda and Public Comment
At the beginning of the meeting, Supervisor Joe Miller requested that the District 27 appointment item be moved until after public comment and communications were heard.
Miller argued that residents and supervisors should have the opportunity to discuss communications related to the vacancy before the board voted on an appointment.
Chairman Tom Kautza initially ruled that the board should follow the posted agenda order, but supervisors voted to amend the agenda and move public comment and communications ahead of the appointment discussion.
The motion passed, allowing residents to address the board before the appointment process began.
Several residents used public comment to criticize how the vacancy was handled and questioned why another interested candidate, Timothy Steffen, was not forwarded for consideration.
Steffen told the board he was approached by community members and county officials about serving in the position. He said he contacted the county clerk and chairman after considering the opportunity, but said he was informed he would not be selected.
Steffen said he believed political affiliation played a role in the decision and argued that citizens should have the ability to discuss issues involving county government.
“I did not come seeking this position. It sought me,” Steffen told the board. “I never expected the kind of reaction that I received.”
Several written communications were also read, including letters from residents and the Almond Town Board supporting Steffen’s qualifications and asking the county board to review the appointment process.
Chairman Explains Selection Process
During discussion, Chairman Kautza defended his handling of the vacancy, saying it was his responsibility under county rules to identify a candidate to bring before the board for confirmation.
Kautza said he reached out to community members and officials in the District 27 area looking for someone willing to serve.
He explained that he does not always select the first person who expresses interest, saying he considers whether candidates are prepared to work collaboratively and serve the county.
Kautza said he had previously declined other potential candidates for various reasons and said his goal was to find someone who would be a good fit for the board.
“I talk to the candidates. I see if they’re level-headed, have common sense, and they’re willing to serve,” Kautza said.
He also rejected accusations that political affiliation influenced his decision, saying the board needs to move forward and avoid continued conflict.
Pollack Introduced as Candidate
After the public comments and discussion, the board moved to the appointment agenda item.
Kautza introduced Steve Pollack, a resident of Almond, as the candidate for the District 27 position.
Pollack told supervisors he had lived in the area for four years and initially was unsure whether he wanted to serve, but decided it would be an opportunity to learn more about county government and contribute.
When asked about previous community involvement, Pollack said he had attended Almon Town Board meetings but had not previously held elected office.
He said his experience working with customers and people daily would help prepare him for the role.
Supervisors Debate Process Before Vote
Before the vote, some supervisors said their concerns were not about Pollack personally but about the process used to bring the appointment forward.
Supervisor William Swatala supported Pollack, saying he believed he was a good candidate who would serve in a nonpartisan manner.
“I think he fills the seat with total partisan (neutrality),” Swatala said. “He’s a good man. He’s an honest man.”
Other supervisors argued that the full board should have had the opportunity to consider all interested candidates.
Supervisor Joe Miller said he would vote against the appointment because of concerns with the process.
“This is nothing against Mr. Pollack,” Miller said. “My problem is the process of how this happened.”
Supervisor Jeremy Gretzinger echoed those concerns, saying the issue was not Pollack’s qualifications but how the vacancy was handled.
Other supervisors defended the process, saying county rules allow the chair to bring forward a candidate for the board’s approval.
Board Approves Appointment
Following discussion, supervisors voted to appoint Pollack to represent District 27.
The final vote was 19 in favor, 5 opposed, and one supervisor not voting.
After the vote, Pollack was congratulated and officially joined the Shawano County Board of Supervisors.
The board later approved adding future discussion about potentially reviewing county rules regarding how vacant seats are filled.
A motion to discuss possible changes to the appointment process at a future meeting passed 18-8, with one abstention.
Pollack will now serve the remainder of the District 27 term.
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