In a move that has puzzled residents of Wheatland, Salem Lakes, and Randall, Ray Arbet, former Kenosha County Public Works Director, is running for County Board Supervisor District 22. 

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Arbet retired from his position as Public Works Director shortly after Samantha Kerkman won her bid for County Executive in 2022. It is well-known that Arbet didn’t want to work with Kerkman — he didn’t even acknowledge her presence the first time he saw her after her victory. Therefore, Arbet’s decision to enter the political arena and run for County Board Supervisor is surprising to many. 

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Arbet’s bid for political office also comes amidst a backdrop of criticism surrounding his tenure as the Public Works Director, raising questions about his appropriateness for a leadership position. His history of controversial decisions as Public Works Director showcases his unsuitability for elected office.

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Invasive ATC Transmission Line Routes Oversight

Arbet’s oversight of the placement of high-power transmission lines, which critics argue damaged neighborhoods, endangered school zones, and reduced property values, was highly controversial. Despite objections from local governments and area schools, Arbet pushed forward with the placement of these lines through residential areas, rather than opting for industrial property or vacant fields. That decision raised serious concerns about the potential risks posed to residents, particularly children attending schools along the route.

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The transmission lines, part of the American Transmission Company (ATC) network, also sparked outcry from residents who feared the health and safety implications of having high-voltage infrastructure so close to their homes. 

Local officials also expressed frustration with Arbet’s handling of the situation. Despite multiple appeals and efforts to work with him to find alternative routes, Arbet was accused of ignoring everyone’s concerns and pushing through then County Executive Kreuser’s agenda.

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Critics argue that Arbet’s actions not only demonstrate a lack of consideration for public safety, but also raise questions about transparency and accountability of the former Public Works Director. 

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Neglecting County Roads and Bridges 

Ray Arbet is also continuing to face criticism over his alleged negligence in maintaining county roads and bridges during his tenure as Public Works Director for Kenosha County. Many residents believe he is responsible for ignoring the deterioration of crucial infrastructure, including County Highways KD, O, W, and the bridge at Highway JB.

Under Arbet’s leadership, County Highways KD and O deteriorated into some of the worst roads in the county, prompting frustration and anger among drivers who navigated those routes daily. Arbet’s failure to address maintenance issues in a timely manner exacerbated the degradation of these roads. It wasn’t until Arbet was gone, and Samantha Kerkman was elected County Executive, that monies to repair the crumbling KD and O were placed in the county budget. 

Also, during Arbet’s tenure, the portion of Highway W that runs along the Fox River started washing away into the river. Eventually, this vital road had to be closed for an extended time until a solution to the crumbling road was found. Similarly, the bridge at Highway JB and the Fox River was allowed to deteriorate to the point of closure, disrupting transportation and inconveniencing residents. Farmers were especially unhappy as they had to drive their tractors miles out of their way to get from one side of the bridge to the other.

Emergency Services Infrastructure Ignored

As the individual responsible for maintaining emergency services communication towers, Arbet’s failure to address maintenance issues in a timely manner has drawn sharp criticism. After a lightning struck the communication tower at the Kenosha County Center, it was discovered that the tower was crumbling due to neglect, which jeopardized its functionality. If this neglect wasn’t discovered and repaired, it would have most likely caused the tower to collapse during the winter ice storms. The emergency repairs of the KCC tower have incurred substantial costs for the county, exacerbating budgetary pressures and diverting resources from other critical needs. The possible collapse of the KCC tower underscores the consequences of neglecting essential infrastructure.  How such a critical piece of infrastructure was allowed to deteriorate to the point of imminent collapse under Arbet’s oversight is concerning.

Arbet has touted his leadership in his campaign, but residents remain skeptical of his promises, based on his poor management as Public Works Director. I am skeptical too, and that’s why residents of the 22^nd District should vote for the incumbent, Erin Decker. I know conservatives can trust Erin to be responsive and make the right decisions as the County Board Supervisor for District 22. 

When asked for a statement on these issues, Arbet did not respond to our request.