KAUKAUNA — Kaukauna voters next month will decided if the city attorney should be an elected or hired position.
Residents can learn more about what that would mean in a series of public information sessions hosted by the city ahead of the Nov. 8, 2022 general election.
There will be public forums in the Council Chambers at City Hall 144 W Second Street, Kaukauna.
- Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022 – 5:30pm
- Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2022, – Noon
- Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2022 – 5:30pm
The Kaukauna Common Council approved the referendum question asking “Shall the City of Kaukauna, Outagamie County, Wisconsin change the City Attorney position from elected to a hired position?.”
Kaukauna has had an elected City Attorney position since spring of 1973. It is now one of the last municipalities in Wisconsin to have this position elected. Other communities have moved to an appointed (hired) position because of the professional experience required and how critical this position is for City operations.
Arguments for or against, according to a website on the referendum published by the city:
Changing to a hired position
- Will allow the candidates to be screened and interviewed to ensure they meet the criteria deemed necessary to serve the legal needs of the City at a level of performance commensurate with the requirements of the office.
- Will make the position directly accountable to the mayor, Common Council and other City staff who work with and closely monitor the day-to-day activities.
- Will provide stability in the position and continuity with staff and the day-to-day legal matters that occur.
- Allow for the best succession plan for retaining internal legal knowledge without interruption in service when there is a replacement or retirement.
- Reduces the risk of something being missed during a transition.
Leaving Elected
- Gives the voters the choice of who they want to fill the position
- Allows candidates with limited experience and qualifications to run for position
- Would require the person filling the role to live within the City
- The pool of candidates is limited
- Runs the risk of no one running and the position being contracted
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