Lange loses resolution battle

By Journal Times staff

Wednesday, March 29, 2006 2:09 AM CST

IVES GROVE - A proposal to affirm the county's commitment to open government was defeated 17-5 Tuesday night.

The resolution, introduced by Supervisor Diane Lange two weeks ago, called for the County Board to support "unconditional commitment to open communication" between the board and the executive branch. It also asked the county executive to allow employees to speak with elected officials.

Lange said she had hoped the County Board would unite in favor of open government. Instead, she said, the board saw the issue as a conflict between herself and County Executive Bill McReynolds.

"It's unfortunate that that's how some people played this out," she said.

Lange crafted the resolution after she clashed with McReynolds in November. During the budget approval process, McReynolds directed staff to refer Lange - who opposed parts of the county executive's budget - to him if she came to them with any requests for information.

While that situation was resolved, Lange said she remained concerned about the government in Racine County. Others, including McReynolds and board Chairman Ken Vetrovec, said the resolution wasn't necessary.

McReynolds, who is running as a Republican for State Senate in November against state Rep. John Lehman, D-Racine, also called Lange's resolution a political stunt.

The supervisors who joined Lange in support of the resolution included: Donnie Snow, Ken Lumpkin, Gaynell Dyess and Dan Sharkozy.

Supervisor Q.A. Shakoor II had sponsored the resolution, but withdrew his support on Tuesday night.

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