SHAWANO, WI- The Shawano County Ethics Committee has issued a sweeping set of findings against County Supervisor Lowell Hammett, concluding that he violated both state ethics laws and county ordinances through a pattern of misconduct involving misuse of his office, dissemination of confidential information, and attempts to influence County Board actions without authority.
The committee released its Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Recommendations following three investigative meetings and a public hearing. The case stemmed from complaints filed by former County Administrative Coordinator James Davel and County Clerk Kara Skarlupka.
The Ethics Committee determined by “clear and convincing evidence” that Hammett engaged in multiple violations, including:
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Using his County Supervisor position to promote his private business, including distributing a business card identifying himself as a county official.
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Attempting to leverage his position for personal gain through social media and public communication.
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Improperly trying to convene a special County Board meeting after being told he did not have the authority to do so.
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Pressuring the County Clerk’s Office by attempting to reserve a room for a meeting he lacked authority to call and later accusing the clerk of violating her duties.
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Emailing other supervisors to solicit votes in a manner the committee said could constitute an open meetings law violation.
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Breaching confidentiality, including disclosing information from a county employee without permission.
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Disseminating confidential or misleading information to the media and public to further his personal narrative.
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Promoting unfounded conspiracy theories related to county employees.
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Causing unnecessary discord and disrespect toward county staff, board members, and elected officials.
The committee found that Hammett’s conduct “brought about unnecessary discord” and constituted a breach of his duties of good faith, honesty, and loyalty.
In May, Hammett called for the termination of a county employee amid allegations of long-standing workplace bullying and misconduct. It was determined later that he was referring to then County Administrative Coordinator Jim Davel.
Hammett, who chairs the county’s Ethics Committee, says he had received multiple complaints and affidavits describing a pattern of intimidation by a current county employee.
In June, Hammett reignited controversy when he publicly called for a closed session to address what he described as unresolved issues, including past and current employee misconduct, a notarized complaint already submitted to the executive committee, and a dramatic claim about a missing $1 million dollars.
That claim drew an immediate rebuke from Chairman Tom Kautza.
Days later, former County Administrative Coordinator Jim Davel dismissed the claim while appearing on the WTCH Breakfast Club on Friday, stating, “Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, we just finished our largest audit of the year. Financially, the county is in an incredible position.” Davel added he was disappointed the matter was aired so publicly. “If he would’ve just come in, I think we could’ve nipped that in the bud pretty quick.”
The committee concluded:
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It had jurisdiction over the matter.
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Hammett is considered a state public official.
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His actions violated Wisconsin Statute § 19.59, which prohibits public officials from using their office for personal benefit.
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He also violated several Shawano County Ethics Code ordinances.
The Ethics Committee unanimously recommended:
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Hammett apologize to the county staff members he falsely accused.
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The County Board Chair remove Hammett from the Ethics Committee.
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The County Board take additional action necessary to remove him from the Shawano County Board entirely.
The matter now moves to the Shawano County Board, which will decide whether to adopt the recommended disciplinary actions, including potential removal of Hammett from the board. That vote will take place next month.
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