Citizens Group Launches Recall Effort Against Mayor, Two Aldermen

Citing the city's refusal to hold a referendum on the lake park issue and "irresponsible decision-making" when it comes to spending, recall papers will be filed with the city Thursday afternoon against Mayor Kathy Chiaverotti, and aldermen Keith Werner and Neome Schaumberg.

Muskego for Ethical Government, which this year to try and force a referendum on the purchase of land to be used as lake park, will again be out along Janesville Road near the to collect signatures on Friday.

The group had nettedn its previous effort, which was rejected by the city. Problems existed with the language of the petition, the city said, and as a vote on the issue was already taken on the lake park, it was therefore not a proper use of the petition.

Subsequent opportunities at the Common Council to allow for a referendum were which organizers of the recall effort said led them to this action.

"They refused to hold public hearings on the lake park purchase, and ignored the 3,400 signatures on the petition asking for a referendum," said Lorie Oliver, the group's spokesperson.

Oliver explained that all three are basically being recalled for the same reasons: patterns of irresponsible decision-making regarding spending, failure to provide public hearings on land acquisition and the failure to support a referendum.

Schaumberg and Werner both cast "yes" votes in the council's 4-3 decision to purchase the 4.6 acres along Janesville Road on the lake at an offer of $3.55 million.

Oliver also said the mayor's recall was based on "her failure to resolve the , her suppression of council members from having timely access to information impairing them from performing their aldermanic duties and a failure to maintain public confidence."

Schaumberg, who represents the 6th District, declined comment on the recall effort. Chiaverotti and Werner, who represents the 4th Distict, couldn't be reached for comment Thursday morning.