KENOSHA, Wis. — Supervisor Mark Nordigian was elected chairman of the Kenosha County Board Tuesday night after a dramatic and unusual vote that many insiders say was decided by behind-the-scenes political dealmaking.
The night began with outgoing Chair Monica Yuhas officially leaving the board after eight years of service. Supervisors gave Yuhas a standing ovation as she concluded her tenure. Vice Chairman Daniel Gaschke initially presided over the meeting because Yuhas was no longer on the board, but Gaschke quickly recused himself from chairing the proceedings after telling supervisors, “I’m running for county board chair.”
(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Gaschke’s candidacy ultimately fell short in one of the closest chairman races the County Board has seen in years.
(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Supervisor John Morrissey, a liberal Democrat and current Kenosha city administrator, nominated Nordigian for chairman. Morrissey acknowledged during his remarks that he does not always agree with Nordigian, who publicly identifies as a Republican, before launching into what appeared to many in attendance to be a prepared speech praising Nordigian’s leadership abilities and suitability for the role.
The first secret-ballot vote for chairman ended in a stunning 10-10 tie, with one supervisor not voting.
Several supervisors privately told Kenosha County Eye they believe the missing vote belonged to Supervisor Gabe Nudo, who has developed a reputation among some board members for creating disruption and controversy during his four years on the board.
A second vote was then held. This time, Nordigian secured the chairmanship on an 11-10 vote over Gaschke.
Several supervisors told Kenosha County Eye they believe the outcome was the result of political horse trading that occurred in the hours and days leading up to Tuesday night’s meeting.
One of the most widely discussed alleged deals involved Nudo. Multiple sources told Kenosha County Eye before the meeting that Nudo was prepared to back Nordigian if he was rewarded with key committee assignments, specifically the chairmanship of the Finance and Administration Committee and an appointment to the Joint Services Board.
Whether that alleged deal was finalized remains unclear, but county insiders are already closely watching Nordigian’s committee appointments, which are expected to be announced at the April 28 County Board meeting. Many believe the appointments will reveal whether promises were made behind closed doors.
The second part of the rumored dealmaking did not go according to plan.
Nudo nominated Morrissey to become vice chairman, but Morrissey was rejected by the board. Morrissey received seven fewer votes than John Franco, another liberal member of the board who ultimately won the vice chairmanship 14-7.
Franco was nominated by Supervisor Sarah Kirby, one of the furthest-left Democrats on the board. Kirby’s decision to back Franco instead of Gaschke appeared to further damage Gaschke’s standing after his narrow loss in the chairman’s race.
The vice chairman position is largely honorary, but traditionally it is viewed as a stepping stone to the chairmanship. That tradition broke down Tuesday night. Gaschke, who had served as vice chairman under Yuhas and had hoped to move into the chairman’s seat, was bypassed entirely.
Several supervisors apparently supported Nordigian for chairman but refused to support Morrissey for vice chairman.
Although the vote was conducted by secret ballot, Kenosha County Eye’s sarcasm-filled claim that it “knows all” would suggest Nordigian’s support likely came from himself, Luke Pollock, John Morrissey, Gabe Nudo, Tim Stocker, Dave Geertsen, Eric Meadows, Erin Decker, Aaron Karow, Keith Gray and John Poole. Gaschke’s apparent support base likely included himself, Jeff Cologna, David Lux, Riki Tagliapietra, Dave Tarzon, Stephanie Knezz, Julia Robinson, Sarah Kirby, Guida Brown and John Franco.
One supervisor who voted for Nordigian but not Morrissey told Kenosha County Eye that Morrissey’s dual role as both county supervisor and Kenosha city administrator presents a serious conflict of interest.
“I didn’t vote for John Morrissey to be the vice chairman because I think he should not be in a position of authority on the county board while concurrently working as the city administrator for the city of Kenosha,” the supervisor said. “In fact, I don’t even think he should be on the county board at all. It is a huge conflict of interest, and he always puts the city first, even though he’s supposed to represent the county as an elected official.”
Morrissey, a former Kenosha police chief, currently serves as Kenosha city administrator and earns nearly $200,000 annually. He has repeatedly floated retirement plans over the last several years, only to remain in the position, leading some city insiders to privately complain that the uncertainty makes it difficult to plan for the future of city government.
Gaschke appeared upset after losing the chairman’s race and then being passed over for vice chairman. Morrissey also left disappointed after failing to secure enough support for vice chair.
According to multiple people who were present, Nudo appeared to be the most upset of all. Several people told Kenosha County Eye that Nudo was heard exclaiming after the meeting, “They fucked me over.”
Tuesday night also marked the arrival of five new county supervisors. Jeff Cologna, David Lux, Luke Pollock, Riki Tagliapietra and Dave Tarzon were sworn in as members of the 2026-28 board, replacing Frederick Brookhouse, Andres Gama, Felix Garcia, Jeffrey Gentz and Yuhas.
County Clerk Regi Waligora administered the oath of office.
For now, Nordigian has secured the gavel. But the real test of whether the alleged backroom deals were real will come next week when he announces committee assignments.
(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
If Nudo is named chair of Finance and Administration or lands a coveted Joint Services appointment, many supervisors will see that as proof that the County Board’s power structure is driven as much by political bargaining as ideology.
3 Responses
Congrats to Mark! Well deserved, I’m sure he’ll do what he can with the committee assignments. Glad Gaschke lost. He’s a do nothing, Gaschke I know you’re reading this, name one legitimate thing you’ve accomplished in during your years of unfortunate service.
Not even in office yet and already making deals behind the scenes.
Business as usual
Gabe Nudo is the worst kind of politician- always wondering” “what’s in it for me?” instead of “what’s best for Kenosha County?”
Best wishes, Mark. Show us that you have integrity and that you’re not for sale. I hope Nudo does NOT get the Joint Services appointment, but I’m not holding my breath.