County Executive’s Chief Of Staff Resigns Shy Of Two Years At Her Post

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Tami Rongstad – Chief of Staff, Kenosha County Executive’s Office
(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)

The Chief of Staff for County Executive Samantha Kerkman has resigned, KCE can confirm. According to an insider, County Executive Kerkman has known for many weeks about the impending departure, but chose to keep the news quiet.

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Rongstad worked for Kerkman when Kerkman was in the state assembly for about 10 years. Rongstad is heading back to work for the Wisconsin State Assembly. KCE is told she will be working for State Rep Amanda Nedweski (R), starting on Wednesday, February 14, 2024.

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Rongstad didn’t respond to a request for comment.

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26 Responses

  1. Why does the county executive of a county Kenosha’s size need a “chief of staff?”

    I never understood why Kreuser needed one, either. (He was the assistant to John Collins and that was cool but “chief of staff” is a bit heady.)

  2. I completely understand why Tami is going back to Madison. Amanda needs help and Tami knows the ropes. Great decision for both of them !

    Besides, working for Sam can’t exactly be fun !

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    1. You’re 100% correct working for Sam is not fun.
      The number of Kenosha County employees who have quit because of her is staggering

      12
      1. Not just her— her completely-unchecked HR department. A couple of department directors have completely handed over control of their departments to HR, which is difficult for us, because we can no longer simply ask our management questions and get answers. If anything has to be escalated, it’s a 2-3 week process because of HR running the show.

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  3. Jill was the best choice from the first.She knows everybody here and all the politics of this county. Tami not so much. Moving to a different area code to do a job usually brings some grief. I would suggest that Sam give the job to Jill, pay her some bonus for the original slight, make a big big deal announcement about the great chance for this change and get on with it.

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    1. I believe the more thumbs down than up is directed more at Sam than Jill or Tami.
      Sam and Tami was probably the best from the get go but more for Sam than Tami.
      For obvious reasons.
      Tami is now looking out for Tami.

      Good luck Jill regardless what Sam decides.

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    1. Vote for non-incumbents wherever possible, even if they don’t necessarily agree with your party affiliation. We need new blood, we need term limits, and we won’t get term limits with career politicians in place!

    1. Nedweski is turning into Kerkman, Jr., with all of the Vos bootlicking. She’s no different. Going to be interesting to see who wins when Nedweski and Tyler go against each other. Who is going to be Papa Robin’s chosen one.

    2. From what it sounds like Nedweski is becoming one as well. I guess time will tell. We aren’t in their shoes as they are battling the big guys up in Madison, but it’s getting tiresome to keep getting fooled by these so called “conservatives” and seeing something different once they are elected.

      1. Nedweski wants abortion up to 14 weeks because of her & Vos’ involvement with BioForward & Exact Sciences. These companies deal with fetal research & stem cell research, and cloning. She needed to pass AB 975 because of AB 916 benefitting BioForward & Exact Sciences, which are Vos donors. And, in case you needed further evidence that they’re both RINOs, fmr (D) gov Doyle is involved with Exact Sciences. Follow the money trail. Vos & Nedweski both benefit financially from legalized abortion.

        1. I think it’s a disingenuous to say that Nedweski wants abortions up to 14 weeks. I think any limitations you put on abortion are positive steps forward. Do you really think Evers would sign any bill that does anything to restrict abortion? You people that think he would are either misinformed or crazy

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          1. Pro-life means pro-life. If you’re ok with some restriction but not pushing for complete elimination, then you’re pro-choice.

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          2. Her support of AB 975 is obvious proof that she’s supportive of abortion to 14 weeks. Voting “no” in favor of a further restrictive bill was always an option, regardless of what Evers does.

            1. Before Roe v. Wade a federal court struck down most of the old abortion law. The 14-week cutoff is consistent with that decision.

          3. “Mark my word, if and when these preachers get control of the [Republican] party, and they’re sure trying to do so, it’s going to be a terrible damn problem. Frankly, these people frighten me. Politics and governing demand compromise. But these Christians believe they are acting in the name of God, so they can’t and won’t compromise. I know, I’ve tried to deal with them.”

            ― Barry Goldwater

        2. Thanks for the information. Vos is the one who voted to keep election fraudster Meaghan Wolfe in charge. Nedweski won’t get my vote.

    1. Kerkman names chief of staff and office manager
      Apr 20th, 2022 by Darren Hillock.
      County Executive Samantha Kerkman has announced the hiring of two members of her office staff.

      From a news release:

      Tami Rongstad, a longtime staff member in Kerkman’s legislative office in Madison, will serve as her chief of staff.

      Jill Tatge-Rozell, a Kenosha News reporter and Western Kenosha County native, will serve as office manager.

      Rongstad, who has worked for Kerkman since 2011 and was previously a staff member for former state Rep. Jeff Stone, has been present in the County Executive’s Office during Kerkman’s transition process with Kreuser and his staff.

      Tatge-Rozell will join the staff on May 16, after she has ended her employment with the Kenosha News.

      “I’m pleased to have the opportunity to bring these talented staff members to the County Executive’s Office,” Kerkman said. “I am confident they will be of great service to my administration and the people of Kenosha County.”

      Kerkman, of Salem Lakes, is the first woman and first Western Kenosha countian to hold the office of Kenosha County executive. She succeeds Jim Kreuser, whose retirement took effect Monday. Kerkman won the April 5 election versus Rebecca Matoska-Mentink, the county clerk of circuit court. Kreuser did not run for re-election

  4. Sam kerkman is a useful idiot. I see her yucking it up with Antaramian at gateway diner. She thinks she’ll make the lefties like her. They will kick her to the curb as soon as they used her up. Not surprised her staff sees through her

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