(Cell Phone Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
SALEM LAKES, Wis. – After a drawn-out and at times tense discussion Monday night, the Village of Salem Lakes board approved a $5,000 leadership workshop on “psychological safety” and “purpose-driven leadership,” prompting frustration from residents and at least two walkouts in protest.
The board voted 6–1 to contract with Langloss Consulting, LLC for an eight-hour session titled “Built to Win: Creating a Championship Culture Through Psychological Safety and Purpose-Driven Leadership.” The session is aimed at improving communication and alignment between Village Board members and department heads. While the $5,000 fee will be covered by grant funding, travel expenses will be billed separately.
Voting in favor were Trustees Bill Hopkins (D), Ron Gandt (D), Dennis Faber (D), Angela Brooks (D), Billy Barhyte (I), and Village President Rita Bucur (R). Voting against was Trustee Pete Poli (R).
The debate over the proposal lasted nearly an hour, with concerns raised about the cost, the Illinois-based consultant’s background, and what some called the ideological tone of the program. During the discussion, Bucur remarked, “I guess I’m a liberal now,” prompting audible reactions from the audience.
Immediately after the vote, at least two residents stood up and left the boardroom in protest. One told Kenosha County Eye, “The board has officially gone woke.” Another added, “Cassandra Hiller now officially controls 6 out of the 7 board members.”
Wetlands Destruction Adds to Controversy
The workshop approval comes as the Village faces mounting criticism over the unauthorized destruction of wetlands behind Village Hall. Village Administrator Cassandra Hiller has been accused of initiating the work without board approval. The activity, which altered protected wetland areas near the lake, is now under investigation by environmental authorities.
After concerns were raised, Hiller reportedly retained legal counsel—seemingly preparing to take legal action against the board if disciplinary steps were considered. Instead, residents say, the board has handed her sweeping control. “They gave her the keys to the Village and six rubber stamps,” a taxpayer said after the vote.
Controversy has also grown around a walking path developed in the same area. Several residents have accused Hiller of misusing public funds to construct the trail, which they claim was designed to benefit her personally. Village officials have not responded publicly to the allegations, and no formal review has been announced.
“Instead of dealing with the destruction of public wetlands, they’re focused on feel-good sessions about psychological safety,” one resident said. “This isn’t about leadership—it’s about control.”
What’s Next
The workshop will include interactive exercises, values alignment, and the development of a “One Team Charter.” Participants will include the Village Board and department heads such as the fire chief, public works director, finance director, and clerk.
The session is expected to be scheduled in the coming weeks. No public comment was allowed prior to the vote.
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12 Responses
…we should all be able to attend if only in the room to observe. Not just the presentation but how each village employee participates and reacts.
I imagine Pete will be there though may just observe.
It needs to be held in the main meeting hall for all to see. In fact, recorded and posted as are regular meetings.
If there is a quorum expected, there is a requirement for a public notice. Thus sounds lije ut will nit be local-travel expenses. Regardless of where, public notice is reqd re possible quorum.
Thus sounds lije ut will nit be
….This sounds like it will not be……
We were told that the “New” board would represent Change! Ohhhhhhh yes it has….Let’s see WHO runs against these LIBERALS next election
Who’s stepping up ???
Get your names out now. Announce your candidacy in Public comments. Next meeting !!
The incumbents have never been more vulnerable.
And next time too !!
The new gal needs to go
The Land of the mentally deranged. Thank goodness for Poli, the only sane person on the board. Rita and Ronnie are truly Liberal, woke Whack jobs. Shame on you Billy, We expected it from Brooks, Hopkins, and Faber, not you.
That was painful to watch. It was like watching the view for 3 hrs straight. CNN for 3 hrs and then another 2 hrs of the view. August meeting you better bring a meal. If two meetings go for 3 hrs a month one meeting a month would go for 6 hrs. But it will be on Tuesday so they can ask staff more questions and get answers before the meeting so that they won’t get brought up at the meeting. Can any of the residents believe what they are doing to the county fair. I can. What a mess. Lack of leadership and spine. Pete stand strong.
It’s difficult to watch especially when you can’t speak at the time. People, please call and email them with a barrage of “nays” as we still run them- don’t let them forget!!!!!!!
From an outside observer, this board is like Hooterville in the show Green Acres
Time to email:
rbucur@voslwi.gov
bbarhyte@voslwi.gov
dfaber@voslwi.gov
rgandt@voslwi.gov
whopkins@voslwi.gov
ppoli@voslwi.gov
abrooks@voslwi.gov
As I stood up and walked out, I said “Hopeless”, that interruption might have gotten me thrown out anyway! I can’t express enough, my disappointment with this board and their disregard for tax payer money. (even if it’s a grant it is still taxpayer money, for those woke board members who may not understand) I really can’t understand what happened to these people. Snap out of it. Have fun at your meeting and make sure the taxpayers pay for the coffee and doughnuts too.
Disappointment in Salem Lakes.
The only person who will get anything out of this meeting is the man charging $500 per hour plus travel expenses