Parks Committee Should Vote “NO” On Illegal Gift To Retiring Employee: Opinion

Copied!
Eric Haugaard (D) Kenosha Parks Commission Chairman
(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)

The same Kenosha Parks Committee that attempted to erect a memorial and plant a tree for Anthony Huber, a dangerous and violent criminal killed by Kyle Rittenhouse, is it again. Kenosha Parks Committee Chairman Eric Haugaard (D) and his colleagues want to do something illegal and unethical. That is probably why they will try to vote on the measure during a special meeting that is different than it’s usual time and day. This is exactly what they tried with the Huber Memorial. I was tipped off about that meeting and was tipped off about this one. On Monday, December 5, 2022 at 6:50pm, the Parks Committee is scheduled to meet with just one item on the agenda. This item, if voted affirmatively, will give the retiring parks superintendent a “Washington Park Municipal Golf Course Lifetime Membership.”

Paid Advertisement

There are many reasons why they should vote “NO”

Paid Advertisement

_________________________

Paid Advertisement
  1. It is illegal for the retiring employee to accept the gift and illegal for the committee to give it. Chapter 30 of the Kenosha Ordinances says that no city employee or former city employee may accept any gift which is related to city service or employment, which equals or is in excess of fifty ($50) dollars. This makes it illegal to accept the gift. The same chapter says that any covered person in the course of their service or employment, may not give to any person any gift, favor, unauthorized service, or thing of value which may tend to gain any undue or improper favor for them or the City. I will address the “improper favor” portion below.
  2. It is unprecedented. To my knowledge and to the knowledge of city officials I’ve spoken to, something like this hasn’t happened in the city’s more-than-100-year history.
  3. It sets a bad precedent. What’s next? Retiring police chief gets “free parking tickets for life?” The Retiring treasurer gets “free property taxes for life?” The city clerk gets “free dog and cat licenses for life?” See how this could get crazy?

This isn’t $1,000,000-in-a-briefcase level corruption, but all of theses little things viewed in their totality can look very bad. It shouldn’t happen.

Paid Advertisement

I have no problem with the employee who is retiring. I worked with him for four years as Alderman and he worked very hard for the City. Our parks look beautiful, but we must also look to the motive for Haugaard giving this employee a gift that could be worth a thousand dollars or more.

Paid Advertisement

Haugaard lives on 5th Avenue in the City of Kenosha overlooking beautiful Lake Michigan. It’s public record. This employee helped Haugaard behind the scenes keep Kennedy drive closed at 7pm when all other City parks close at 10pm. Haugaard advocated for the drive to be torn up also. Why? Most of us think Haugaard wants an un-impeded view of the lake. Who wouldn’t? Haugaard has a history of using his position with the City to benefit himself. He wanted to build a very tall garage, but it was illegal. He purposed a change to the ordinance with five of his friends co-sponsoring the ordinance change. A couple of days after the change passed, he applied for a permit to build the garage that was now legal.

Paid Advertisement
Eric Haugaard’s House

There are better, legal and ethical ways for the City to honor this employee. Name the golf course after him? Put his name on a plaque? Put his photo on the score cards?

Paid Advertisement

This isn’t a good idea. This committee should just say “NO”

Paid Advertisement
Kenosha Park Committee
Top Row: Eric Haugaard (D), Jan Michalski (D), and Rollin Pizzala
Bottom Row: Kelly Mackay (D) and Rocco Lamacchia (D)
Washington Golf Course

Author

Copied!
LATEST NEWS

Kenosha Unified to Vote on “Safe School” Resolution Tonight Amid Immigration Enforcement Concerns

Kenosha, Wis. — The Kenosha Unified School District Board of Education is set to vote tonight on a resolution that would formally declare non-public areas of KUSD schools as “safe spaces” for students and families fearful of immigration enforcement actions. The proposed measure comes in response to ongoing concerns from parents and community groups about the potential for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents or cooperating law enforcement to enter school grounds in search of

Read More »

Fire Destroys Future Home of Elsie Mae’s Pies & Pints

Kenosha, Wis. — In a tragic blow to a beloved local business, an early morning fire on Tuesday destroyed the soon-to-open Elsie Mae’s Pies & Pints, just hours after it received final licensing approval and days before its anticipated grand opening on Mother’s Day. The Kenosha Fire Department was dispatched at approximately 3:00 a.m. to the 6600 block of 120th Avenue after reports of a structure fire. When officers from the Kenosha Police Department arrived, they

Read More »
MORE TOP STORIES

Mayor Bogdala Returns to Conservative Roots at GOP Gathering: “The Best Is Yet to Come”

Kenosha, Wis. — After more than a decade away from formal Republican Party gatherings, Kenosha Mayor David Bogdala made a highly anticipated return to his political roots Wednesday night at the Republican Party of Kenosha County’s “Pints and Politics” event. Bogdala, a former sergeant-at-arms for the county GOP, was greeted with applause and handshakes from dozens of enthusiastic Republicans who praised his leadership and his historic 2024 win over liberal challenger Lydia Spottswood. Brian Gonzales, the

Read More »

Kenosha Man Faces Multiple Pending Cases Tied to Domestic Abuse Allegations Involving Same Victim

Kenosha, Wis. — A Kenosha man remains entangled in a series of domestic abuse-related court cases, all involving the same alleged victim. Nicholas E. Smith, 45, is facing four separate criminal cases filed since January, three of which remain pending. In his most recent case, 2025CM000547, police responded to Smith’s residence on April 27 after a neighbor reported a woman had run from the home without a shirt or shoes, claiming she needed help. Witnesses told

Read More »

Kenosha Man Accused of Sexual Assault and Battery Outside Somers Bar

Somers, Wis. – A Lake Geneva man appeared in Kenosha County Circuit Court on Monday after being charged in connection with a disturbance outside a Somers tavern involving allegations of sexual assault and battery. Adam Garcia Jr., 35, made his initial appearance before Court Commissioner William Michel II and is being held in the Kenosha County Jail on a $1,500 cash bond. According to a criminal complaint, Kenosha County Sheriff’s deputies were responding to an unrelated

Read More »

Three Sex Offenders Released into Pleasant Prairie Community

Pleasant Prairie, Wis. — Three convicted sex offenders have been released into the Village of Pleasant Prairie and will be under close supervision, the Pleasant Prairie Police Department announced Monday. The department, working in coordination with the Sex Offender Registration Committee, issued community notifications for Perfecto Navarro Jr., Gonzales Williams, and Jon G. Kubart. Authorities emphasized that while none of the men are wanted by police at this time, public notification is being made to enhance

Read More »

Kenosha Man Accused of Stealing Car, Crashing, and Leaving Toddler Alone

Kenosha, Wis. — A Kenosha man remains in custody after court proceedings Friday, facing multiple criminal charges stemming from an alleged vehicle theft, hit-and-run crash, and child neglect incident earlier this week. Cortney J. Brantley, 36, appeared before Kenosha County Court Commissioner Michael Masnica on April 25, 2025, where his cash bail was set at $4,000. He remains in the Kenosha County Jail as of Monday. According to a criminal complaint filed by the Kenosha County

Read More »

Kenosha Man Accused of Fleeing Crash, Resisting Officers After Cocaine Discovery

Kenosha, Wis. — A Kenosha man is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after a violent and chaotic incident earlier this week that put officers and the public at risk, according to court records. Kaden J. Gayheart, 23, made his initial appearance Wednesday afternoon before Court Commissioner William Michel II. Michel set Gayheart’s bail at $7,500 cash, which he posted Friday. He is now out of custody pending further proceedings. According to a criminal complaint filed

Read More »

Pleasant Prairie Man Charged with 28 Counts Including Racketeering After Retail Theft Crime Spree, Held on $25,000 Cash Bond

Pleasant Prairie, Wis. — A man already facing numerous retail theft charges in Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties is now charged with 28 criminal counts in Kenosha County, including Racketeering under Wisconsin’s RICO statute, following an extensive, organized retail theft operation that endangered workers and defied court orders at every step. Camari O. Russell, 26, was arrested in Lake County, Illinois, and extradited back to Wisconsin to face new charges stemming from repeated thefts at the Pleasant

Read More »

Kenosha CNA Accused of Assaulting Elderly Resident at Care Facility

Kenosha, Wis. — A Kenosha woman stands accused of abusing a 73-year-old man at a local care facility where she worked, according to a criminal complaint filed in Kenosha County Circuit Court. Jahnix A. Medina, 27, was charged with one count of physical abuse of an elder person, intentionally causing bodily harm, a Class H felony. If convicted, she faces up to six years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both. According to the complaint, officers

Read More »

Maine Man Accused of Violent Robbery in Kenosha; Bail Set at $10,000

Kenosha, Wis. — A Maine man is facing felony charges in Kenosha County after allegedly assaulting a woman and robbing her of a necklace in a violent altercation last fall. On Wednesday, Court Commissioner William Michel II set bail at $10,000 cash for Lewis A. Covington, 32, who is charged with robbery with use of force and substantial battery—both with domestic abuse enhancers. According to the criminal complaint, the incident occurred on October 12, 2024, when

Read More »

Village Administrator Lawyers Up Amid DNR Wetland Investigation

Salem Lakes, Wis. — The Village of Salem Lakes’ top administrator is under scrutiny after the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) launched an investigation into potential illegal wetland disturbances on municipal property. The property in question is zoned C1. Lowland Resource Conservancy (C1) zoning is intended to prevent the destruction of valuable natural resources, including wetlands, shorelands, and areas subject to flooding. This is among the most restrictive zoning in the County. Cassandra Hiller, the

Read More »
Categories
Archives
Authors

20 Responses

  1. Anyone else miss the simpler times when kenosha alderman were too busy stalking women, putting super glue in others car doors locks, shoplifting cigars from Andrea’s, impersonating a police officer, getting banned from malls, Et Cetera,Et Cetera, Et cetera? Siiiiiiggggghhhhhhhhh!

      1. And quite frankly to add, G John wasn’t a two-face hypocrite like 99% of these clowns elected now. He did so much for so many that went unnoticed. He was brought down solely by two jealous, scorned women (the one who lied about him stalking and the corrupt judge he was banging Jodi Meier).

  2. Eric has been on city council too long he is jointed at the hip with mayor. Hopefully someone in district will step forward to replace him. Maybe we need term limits on
    city alderman?

  3. IS THIS A SURPRISE TO ANYONE, THEY ARE ALL CORRUOPT. THEY ARE NOT IN TO HELP THE CITY AND THE AVERAGE PERSON, THEY ARE IN IT FOR THERE OWN AGENDA, FAVORS GET FAVORS THAT THE POSTION THESE GUYS HAVE, I HAVE SEEN IT FIRST HAND
    , HOW THEY DO THINGS. KEEP DIGGING KEVIN IT WILL NEVER STOP SURFACING, I KNOW FOR A FACT THAT CITY WORKERS ARE JUST AS BAD, PARKED CITY VECH AT THE HOMES FOR HOURS OUT OF THE DAY, PERSONALL USE OF EQUIPMENT AT THE HOMES. I HAVE TO WAIT WEEKS TO BUILD A DECK OR PUT UP SOMETHING USING THE PERMITS THESE GUYS GET THEM OVER NIGHT, AND ARE NOT COMPLIANT WITH PERMIT REGS, AT ALL

    WHAT REALLY SAD ABOUT ALL THIS IS THAT KENOHS COUNTY EYE WAS A PART TIME GIG LETTING MAKING RESIDENT AWARE OF WHAT IS REALLY GOING ON,
    LOOKS LIKE WITH ALL THIS STUFF BEING UNCOVERD DAILY THAT KENOHSA COUNTY EYE MAY NEED TO BE FULL TIME AND HIRE SOME EMPLOYEEES, TO INVESTIGATE ALL THE WRONGDOING OF ARE CITY

    1. A Free and Fair Press is an Essential Leg of a functioning Democracy which we are severely lacking in. If you rely on the The Kenosha News and other Left wing controlled propaganda outlets, you’ll never get a story that speaks Truth outside perhaps, the Obituary Column.
      Kevin, Keep up the good work that is essential to our country.

  4. I agree and disagree with my friend, Kevin.

    It does appear that there is a conflict with the ordinance and that would be a barrier. But that ordinance seems way out of date. A standard award plaque can easily top $50. The ordinance needs to be revised.

    When employees — good ones — retire they take with then a wealth of institutional knowledge. We don’t do a very good job of keeping a lifeline to those resources. I have no problem making this guy a consultant and providing some token compensation and benefits. But it should be done up front and legally.

  5. The whole situation is disgusting, literally disgusting. Let the committee take him out to dinner and buy him a gold watch on their own time and dime if they must pursue Sainthood for him.

  6. If its illegal then why can’t they be arrested and convicted? I know, conviction by this DA is not going to happen but still, arrest the bastards and have them spend some time in jail. Maybe arresting them will draw attention from the state’s attorney and they will be prosecuted. Forget the FBI investigating, they are useless but a Federal prosecutor may be interested. Hope our new county sheriff is watching.

  7. At least the city can get a budget and bonding passed so they won’t be shut down mid-winter. Can’t say that for the county…

Add a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

LATEST NEWS
Categories
Archives
Authors

Subscribe to updates

Get notified of new articles. We'll never share your email address.