Most members happy with new positions
BY LINDSAY FIORI
Journal Times | Posted: Wednesday, May 28, 2008 12:00 am
Newly elected Racine County Board Chairman Peter Hansen announced new committee assignments this month and has set several goals for his term.
Hansen's committee assignments have changed many board members' positions. The biggest change to the County Board is new chairmen on all six board committees. Hansen said most of the new chairmen were assigned because the previous chairmen had reached their four-year term limits.
The County Board prohibits members from serving more than two two-year terms as the chairman or vice chairman of any committee.
Michael Miklasevich, former board chairman, was appointed chairman of the Health and Human Development Committee. He said there has been no complaining among board members over committee assignments and that he is happy with his new position.
"It's one of the most important committees because it deals with the neediest of people," Miklasevich said. "I'm happy with the people on my committee, too. They have great experience in that area."
Besides selecting Miklasevich, Hansen assigned Karen Nelson as chairwoman of the Finance and Human Resources Committee, Joseph Bellante as chairman of the Intergovernmental Relations Committee, Robert Grove as chairman of the Economic Development and Land Use Planning Committee, Van Wanggaard as chairman of the Public Protection and Justice System Committee, and Jeff Halbach as chairman of the Public Works, Parks and Facilities Committee.
Hansen collected sheets from all board members that showed their top picks for committee assignments, but that doesn't mean board members got their first choice.
"I like to appoint (committee) chairmen that are familiar with the County Board process," he said. "Certain board members are very knowledgeable in certain areas so I try to get those people on those committees as much as possible."
Hansen, who chaired the Finance and Human Resources Committee for the past four years, has set both monetary and procedural goals for his two-year term as board chairman.
"My hope is that the County Board can balance our budget without increasing taxes but while maintaining all the important services we provide," he said.
Hansen said the 2009 budget is the item the board will work on most. The budget will be drafted by County Executive William McReynolds, with input from the County Board. McReynolds will present it to the board for corrections and additions, and the final budget will be approved Nov. 1.
Aside from the budget, Hansen said he hopes to use his position as board chairman to create positive relationships will all other county departments and within the board itself.