Wausau City Hall. MWC photo by Mike Leischner
WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — The Wausau City Council has tabled the appointment of Dylan Anderson to the city’s Ethics Board, with many Alders questioning the appropriateness of appointing anyone to the position in the middle of an open investigation against the Mayor.
Many of the Alders who spoke expressed the same concerns- they don’t question the appointee, they do question the timing. “[This is] nothing personal to do with anybody. I would love to see you come back after this ethics investigation is over but I simply cannot vote for anyone for the Ethics Committee (sic) when the person [doing the appointing] has a complaint against them. Once this complaint is done, one way or the other, come on back,” said Alder Lou Larson.
“I’m not questioning your ethical principles,” said Alder Sarah Watson, directing her comments to Anderson. “But I think having someone who is being investigated appoint somebody to that commission is slightly questionable.”
“The optics are kind of confusing for me,” said Alder Gary Gisselman. “I am hesitant with that in regard to this appointment.”
Tuesday’s vote was 8-3 with Gisselman, Larson, and Tom Neal voting no.
Anderson also addressed rumors and online rhetoric swirling around him due to his job as a constituent services director for the 7th Congressional District. He said some may see that as a partisan job, but he helps anyone who needs a hand with a Government document or process. “This is a non-partisan role. I work with thousands of constituents across the 7th Congressional District every year whether they are Republican or Democrat.
“In this role, constituents trust me with sensitive personal information such as birth certificates, tax returns, and Social Security Numbers. I abide by a strict set of guidelines when handling this information to ensure that it is kept secure,” added Anderson. “I believe the trust the consultants across the area have already given me, the integrity that I have handled that trust with, and my commitment to service would make me a good fit for the Ethics Board.”
He also said that he was not a campaign staffer for Mayor Diny.
Under the terms of the amended motion, the council will bring back Anderson’s application once the investigation into Diny is closed. They could also reconsider if the Board requires a 4th member due to resignations or recusals.
The board currently has a full roster of five members and one alternate. One member, Kay Palmer, has recused herself from all discussions on the Diny complaint due to her affiliation with the League of Women Voters. She said she would not “be an unbiased participant in the hearing of this complaint.”
Alternate Jesse Kearns has taken her place for the discussion.
Three members have their appointments expire this spring, though they can continue to serve until a replacement is appointed. Similar to how Megan Wolfe remains as Chair of the State Elections Commission.
RELATED: Wausau Ethics Board to Investigate Complaint Against Mayor Diny
The Ethics Board is gathering information about the complaint against Mayor Diny over his handling of a locked, but not yet secured municipal dropbox. No future Board meetings have been scheduled at this time.
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