We, the undersigned residents, taxpayers, and concerned members of the Shawano County community, respectfully petition the Shawano County Board of Supervisors to consider the concerns stated below and to take any action that is lawful and within the
Board's authority to include removal concerning the leadership positions of County Board Chair Thomas Kautza and Vice Chair Randy Young.

We believe Shawano County deserves leadership that demonstrates professionalism, transparency, fairness, accountability, respect for county employees, and respect for citizens participating in county government.

REASONS FOR PETITION:

1. $121 MILLION BORROWING - APPROXIMATELY $190 MILLION TOTAL REPAYMENT
Shawano County's courthouse/government center project involves borrowing of up to $121,000,000. Based on information obtained through research with the Shawano County finance officer and treasurer, the estimated total amount to be repaid, including interest, is approximately $190,000,000. This long-term debt will
ultimately be repaid by Shawano County taxpayers. We are concerned about the effect this level of borrowing and interest expense will have on property taxes, future county budgets, and the County's ability to fund other essential services. Taxpayers deserve full disclosure of the total cost of the project - not simply the
amount initially borrowed.

2. COUNTY EMPLOYEE RAISES
Concern that Board Chair Kautza was the only supervisor who did not vote in support of raises for Shawano County employees.

3. ETHICS COMPLAINT INVOLVING LOWELL HAMMETT
Concern regarding Board Chair Kautza's support of an ethics complaint involving Lowell Hammett, particularly in light of Hammett's stated position regarding county employees'; rights and working environments. We ask the Board and the public to
consider the circumstances surrounding the ethics complaint and the administration of the ethics process.

4. TRANSPARENCY REGARDING COURTHOUSE / GOVERNMENT CENTER PLANNING                                                                                               Concern regarding the level of public transparency and community involvement in plans for a potential new Shawano County courthouse  or government center, including project planning, costs, alternatives, and future direction.

5. CITIZENS' RIGHT TO SPEAK
Concern regarding the treatment of citizens attempting to speak at County Board meetings and other public proceedings, including whether public-comment rules are applied fairly, consistently, and with appropriate respect for lawful public participation.

6. FAIR AND EQUAL TREATMENT
Concern regarding allegations of unequal treatment of a citizen. Every person appearing before county government should be treated fairly, respectfully, and consistently.

7. PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
Concern that Board Chair Kautza has conducted himself in a manner that petitioners believe does not reflect the professionalism expected of the County Board Chair, including comments reported in the newspaper and comments or conduct at County Board meetings.

8. RANDY YOUNG - SUPPORT OF THE CHAIR'S ACTIONS
Concern regarding Vice Chair Randy Young's support of Chair Kautza's actions and conduct described in this petition. As Vice Chair, Supervisor Young holds a leadership position and is expected to exercise independent judgment, uphold accountability, and transparency, and represent the interests of Shawano County
citizens. We ask the Board to review his continued service as Vice Chair in light of these concerns.

OUR REQUEST

For these reasons, we respectfully ask the Shawano County Board of Supervisors to formally consider these concerns and to take any lawful action within its authority regarding the offices of County Board Chair and Vice Chair. This petition requests Board consideration and action concerning leadership positions; it is not presented as a statutory recall petition. This is a petition to remove from leadership or removal from the county board. 

We also ask each Shawano County Supervisor to publicly acknowledge these concerns and make his or her position known to the citizens represented.

By signing below, I ask my Shawano County Supervisor and the County Board to consider these concerns and take appropriate lawful action regarding County Board leadership.