(Still From Video)
Kenosha, Wis. –In a disturbing example of government secrecy, Kenosha County officials attempted to hold an illegal, unannounced meeting of the Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee last Thursday, February 13, 2025—only to be caught in the act and forced to shut it down.
The clandestine gathering, which took place in a nondescript room inside the Kenosha County Job Center, was exposed by KCE (Kenosha County Eye) after receiving a tip about the committee’s planned meeting. When KCE arrived at approximately 3:02 p.m., at least seven of the nine committee members were already present and actively speaking, possibly discussing business—despite the public having received no official notice of the meeting, a blatant violation of Wisconsin’s Open Meetings Law.
Upon entering, KCE was met with hostility from Kari Foss, Kenosha County’s Director of Behavioral Health Services and chair of the committee, who declared that the meeting was “closed” and demanded that KCE leave. This assertion was not only false but also deeply troubling, as Wisconsin law mandates that all government meetings be open to the public unless specific exemptions apply—and even then, they must begin in an open session before moving to closed proceedings.
County Executive Samantha Kerkman, who was present but not a committee member, recognized the illegal nature of the meeting and urged Foss to adjourn. The meeting was ultimately disbanded before any formal discussions or actions could take place.
Following the incident, Foss issued a statement to KCE, attempting to downplay the severity of the violation:
“The lack of official public notice of Thursday’s Opioid Settlement Advisory Panel meeting was an oversight. This committee has noticed all of its meetings since its inception in 2023, but that did not occur in this instance. As such, the meeting was canceled prior to any discussion or action.”
Kenosha County’s managing Attorney, Joseph Cardamone, also weighed in, admitting that he was unaware of the meeting until after it had been exposed. He pledged that the county would provide additional training on Open Meetings and Public Records laws to department heads, attempting to frame the incident as a “valuable teachable moment.”
But the facts of the case suggest something far more concerning. If this was truly an “oversight,” why did Foss immediately claim the meeting was “closed” rather than acknowledge the mistake? Her insistence on secrecy indicates a deliberate attempt to exclude public scrutiny, raising serious questions about the county’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
Attorney Tom Kamenick, founder of The Wisconsin Transparency Project and a noted expert on government accountability, strongly criticized the county’s actions:
“Strict compliance with the notice requirements of the Open Meetings Law is necessary. The panel did the right thing in stopping the meeting when the failure of proper notice was brought up.”
However, he also expressed concern over Foss’s attempt to declare the meeting off-limits to the public:
“The chair’s comments about the meeting being closed to the public are much more concerning. There is no such thing as an entirely closed meeting. Even where a closed session is permitted, all meetings must first begin in open session and then follow the proper procedure to move into closed session.”
It is important to note that the other members of the committee, aside from Foss, were not to blame for the lack of proper notice. They were relying on the Chair to ensure that the meeting was legally set up, and there is no indication that they were aware of the violation beforehand. Their participation should not be conflated with the apparent lack of transparency displayed by Foss.
This situation should not be brushed aside as a simple clerical error. The county has a responsibility to operate in the open, particularly when discussing the distribution of more than $4,000,000 in opioid settlement funds—resources intended to combat a crisis that has devastated communities nationwide. Instead, the actions of Kenosha County officials point to a disturbing disregard for public transparency and accountability.
Had KCE not intervened, it is unclear how far this committee would have proceeded under the veil of secrecy. The residents of Kenosha County deserve better. They deserve a government that follows the law not just when caught but as a matter of principle. It is incumbent upon local officials to ensure that such breaches of public trust never happen again.
The next scheduled meeting of the Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee is set for March 17, and Kenosha County must prove that it is capable of conducting public business in a lawful and transparent manner. The people are watching.
55 Responses
County Executive Samantha Kerkman, you should start looking for another job, a dog catcher has a better chance of being reelected than you!
Where’s that good ole ethics committee at…….
Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman today released the following statement regarding the county’s Racial and Ethnic Equity Commission:
“The current state of the Racial and Ethnic Equity Commission does not align with or fulfill the mission set out by the County Board. The recent events have further demonstrated how the commission’s actions have a deep impact in our community.
“Therefore, I am rescinding all of the County Executive appointees to the commission effective immediately, and I encourage the County Board to take the steps needed to disband the commission.
Managing a $300 million budget and making $121,000 a year. So what qualified intelligent person would run for this job with all the criticism? Getting elected to County Executive increased Kerkman’s pension by at least double annually even if she loses the next election. Her new pension amount she will make more than she did when she was in the legislature.
Wow, well they know how to set each other other up for winnings while we all set back and keep opening our wallets. She gotta get voted out!!! Before more damage is done!!!
While it was a nice feeling to see a “Republican” get elected as County Executive, it turns out it’s a “careful what you wish for” scenario.
Who is the not just a republican that will run against Sam but a Conservative that will run a spirited campaign against her ?
Who is that person ?
Where are you today ?
If you are out there, now’s the time to make yourself known.
Write an Opinion Piece. Publish it here !
Start a campaign. Otherwise stories like this will continue and still nothing will change.
Let’s recall her
Do you understand how a recall works ?
Yes you are removing someone from office but then they need immediate replacement. You are in fact running an opposing candidate. Running an election out of the normal election cycle. The Dems ran one against Scott Walker. But that because of Act 10.
To run a recall against Sam is hardly worth the time.
And you are still back to the original question. Who will step up ? Answer that question, then we’ll talk
“In the other states using the simultaneous model (Arizona, Michigan, Nevada, North Dakota and Wisconsin), the submission and certification of the recall petition essentially triggers a special election for the office, and the recall ballot consists of a list of candidates for the office. The name of the official who is the subject of the recall may appear on the ballot along with other nominees. In fact, in Arizona, Michigan, North Dakota and Wisconsin, the name of the official being recalled is automatically placed on the recall ballot for reelection unless the official resigns from office.
In the other states using the simultaneous model (Arizona, Michigan, Nevada, North Dakota and Wisconsin), the submission and certification of the recall petition essentially triggers a special election for the office, and the recall ballot consists of a list of candidates for the office. The name of the official who is the subject of the recall may appear on the ballot along with other nominees. In fact, in Arizona, Michigan, North Dakota and Wisconsin, the name of the official being recalled is automatically placed on the recall ballot for reelection unless the official resigns from office.
In the other states using the simultaneous model (Arizona, Michigan, Nevada, North Dakota and Wisconsin), the submission and certification of the recall petition essentially triggers a special election for the office, and the recall ballot consists of a list of candidates for the office. The name of the official who is the subject of the recall may appear on the ballot along with other nominees. In fact, in Arizona, Michigan, North Dakota and Wisconsin, the name of the official being recalled is automatically placed on the recall ballot for reelection unless the official resigns from office.
She needs to resign. She was fully aware of the illegal nature of this meeting. When Kevin came in and stated the public had a right to know she lectures Foss who knew she was being thrown under the bus and did not look happy about that. Typical RINO politician. She is corrupt as hell. Adjourning was her only way of saving herself from further scrutiny. Fake corrupt POS.
Wow! That was long! Lol!
I think it’s Foss and that Kerkman needs to be wary of her.
Sam is a huge disappointment
The community deserves to see line by line where this opioid settlement money is going and how it has been spent.
Why don’t you do an open records request then? Or are you just going to be a keyboard warrior in your mother’s basement and do nothing but run your mouth?
If this was intended to be closed, yes it needs to start as open, which was stated, but also needs a common statement of the reason /cause to be discussed for it being closed ANDthe detailed statute by which they can go into closed AND Each name needs to be called and yah/nay before going into closed.. so yes, the other members ARE responsible for going into a closed session inappropriately.
WHAT DID THE AGENDA STATE? Let’s see it…NO AGENDA? Hummm , deals being made, ie walking quorum?
No chance the taxpayers will ever see a line by line list of how this $4M will be spent.
Why don’t you do an open records request then? Or are you just going to be a keyboard warrior in your mother’s basement and do nothing but run your mouth?
For those not familiar.. school boards, govt entities cannot just go into closed sessions just because they don’t want an audience.. schools are notorious for this calling it Executive session.. and btw is how a lot of the dei occurred from special teacher Institutes(read unions ) or educational seminars.. yes they tell you there maybe be a quorum and no business will be conducted but the overall vattle plan is laid out….the troops then know ….westosha, watch out . There will be some looking into the PLAN…
It’s funny watching Kerkman twitch and be uncomfortable!
Guilty nervousness. Caught with her pants down. Sure she is investigating who tipped Kevin off in hopes of preventing further unpublishable embarassments.
Kevin, deep dive into all County & City politician’s DOGE style. Show the public the magnitude of all the corruption. Only way it’s going to change. Exposed them all.
Please do Kevin starting with that double dipping City Administrator Kenosha doesn’t even need. Mr. Conflict of Interest Morrissey.
Not only did Kerkman twitch and was uncomfortable, check out the distain in her face viewing Kevin walking in. Then closes her eyes in disbelief and while she thinks of a spin to apply. Turns to Foss for a private conversation, shrugs it off in the end as it’s nothing. When Foss responded to Kevin’s question if it was a Quorum she had to count pointing to what 4 or 5 people maybe? Surprised she didn’t remove her sock and use her toes. These people are criminal’s each and every one of them.
I was distracted by Kevin’s balls clanking together when he walked in the room. You can hear it in the video.
Nice work Kevin.
If they are giving out money for junkies I will take some
Oh wait….Kerkman just happened to be there (although not on the committee)?
She either ratted these people out or knew about the meeting. Either way, she is fucking horrible. She has been caught and called out on like 20 shady things since she was elected.
They r good friends. That’s y she was there. Keri will only get a slap on the wrist. Interested to see if this was an “oversight” or if this has happened before.
Try 200 shady things
Oh that’s great!
THEY get busted, deny everything at 1st, then get educated that they ARE wrong,
THEN, with zero apology, or explanation (defense) Sammie-girl THINKS SHE CAN resolve it all with a SMUG LITTLE SHRUG OF HER SHOULDERS AND SNIDELY STATES “ok”, then picked up her notes (which should be reviewed) gets up FROM HER CHAIR and runs away (AVOIDING FURTHER CONFRONTATION) WHILE HOPING TO GET NO reprimand OR punishment, and HOPING NOT TO HAVE THE INCIDENT placed in HER RECORD/file?
Let’s recall Samantha
Yes please!
When is she up for reelection ? someone well named needs to run against her
Prediction….Morrissey. He’s grooming himself for the club.
Sam likes to pal around with Antaramian and Barca for breakfast. She thinks they like her. She is a simpleton and always appears a slob.
I wouldn’t want to pay that bill.Barca can put it away and I’m guessing she’s no slouch
Why is my county supervisor Guida Brown there? I demand answers from her. I expect better from a county supervisor
Well I know she reads this site so maybe she will enlighten us….
How many times has this happened and they didn’t get caught.
I want to know who else was in this meeting and if any of them knew it was not legally posted. And YES, the accounting for every cent of this money should be publicly posted for all to see. Looking back at the previous posted meeting minutes on the county website it is clear that Foss’ salary ($98,823 / yr) comes directly from this opioid money and yet she chairs this committee? Wow. How many other illegal “closed” meetings has this and other county government “committees” had? This all stinks!
Great work Kevin👌🏻
All official government meetings begin in Wisconsin with a declaration that all postings and notifications for a legal meeting have been met. Obviously that was not done in this instance, and it would be obvious to everyone there that the meeting was illegal. Kerkman was likely an ex official member of that committee, but even if not, she knows better, and is complicit in this illegal meeting. All members can be held personally responsible for illegal meetings, and the district attorney of Kenosha County would be responsible for bringing up charges. Fines can be imposed if found to be guilty and would come out of their own pockets. Very, very disappointed in Samantha Kerkman who would participate in illegal meetings when you go behind closed doors in secret meetings.
A formal complaint to the DA would set a wake-up call to others that they cannot break the law without consequences.
What a bunch of cry babies. Most on here should take a “chill pill” and grow up. Just how many of the alleged complainers would show up for any meeting any how.
This committee is well aware of Robert’s Rules of Order–the school board follows them, town meetings, fraternal groups, etc. If it was an “OVERSIGHT” why become hostile to you being there, Kevin?
This says it all and she KNEW this was not a legal meeting.
“But the facts of the case suggest something far more concerning. If this was truly an “oversight,” why did Foss immediately claim the meeting was “closed” rather than acknowledge the mistake? Her insistence on secrecy indicates a deliberate attempt to exclude public scrutiny, raising serious questions about the county’s commitment to transparency and accountability.”
Are we supposed to think that Open Meetings are a Threat to our Democracy now?
Thank you Kevin for watching out for all of us.
Kerkman’s reaction is priceless. Did she respond this way when her EX said: Sammy, I’m leaving you for a man.
LMFAO! By any chance was the the picture of BING BING BINGER, T Clair that was posted a while back on X I think, with his Judge lover out at Lake Geneva in their Speedo’s. I never knew this. Typical flakey Democrats in my book. All of them. Including Sammy the Bull. lol. Willing to bet she has self esteem issues. I can’t stop laughing. Coffee out the nostrils when I read that. Thanks for sharing. She was so bad in bed her ol man left for Binger? Oh my God…. I will attend all County Board boring ass meetings just to laugh out loud and stare at her.
“County Executive Samantha Kerkman, who was present but not a committee member, recognized the illegal nature of the meeting and urged Foss to adjourn.”
I wonder how she suddenly recognized this illegal nature of this meeting exactly when you had arrived and not beforehand?
Why was she there?
This appears to have been staged, a set -up of the committee by Kerkman. She is your snitch right Kevin?
All these ass clowns should be fired. Just makes me wonder what other sneaky shit they haven’t gotten caught for. Kevin on the job for the people. Beware !! Private Eyes are watching you.
Kevin, these folks think the public has not right to know how public funds are spent. This is the essence of corruption. One question- How many other public meetings has Foss forgot to mention? without the public knowledge? If any, time for Foss to be sanctioned or removed from that committee. It may of been an oversight but her trying to shut the door on you says otherwise. Keep up the good work.
Public officials may not want the public to hear certain issues due to legal liability, that’s what closed session meetings are for. Problem here they didn’t want you to know they were meeting at all, big problem.
County Executive Samantha Kerkman, who was present but not a committee member, recognized the illegal nature of the meeting and urged Foss to adjourn.
Samantha Kirkman is a cancer for Kenosha County! Of course Samantha Kirkman knew what they were doing was illegal since her personal photographer wasn’t following her around.
Her decisions and appointments of management at Kenosha County has caused so many good people to quit.
Samantha Kerkman is hot
Foss should not be allowed to be in control of these funds. Foss has used funds for things that have nothing to do with the opioid epidemic but her own interests. Please investigate further…
Great job, Kevin!
Samantha Kirkman looks Like a kid with her hand caught in a cookie jar.
You know, she knew what they were doing was wrong since she didn’t have her personal photographer Joe with her
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver on opioid settlement $$$$: https://youtu.be/Io0yuH1CiA0?si=j8Ywz1v2mOo9xga3
Foss and Kenosha County sheriff at 18:30