Wis. Institute for Law and Liberty files lawsuit against Co. Board

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty (WILL) has filed a lawsuit asserting members of the Milwaukee County Board violated the state's open meeting slaw on two recent occasions.

In a statement, WILL says the Attorney General, the Milwaukee County District Attorney, and Milwaukee County Corporation Counsel – have opted not to investigate the matter further.

According to WILL, the first alleged violation occurred during the March 14th meeting of the Board’s Finance, Personnel, and Audit Committee, where labor representatives were authorized to negotiate with at least one public employee union without adequate notice to the public.

WILL says the second occurred during the April 10th legislative hearing on Assembly Bill 85, the proposal to reform the structure and powers of the Milwaukee County Board, where a quorum of the Board attended the meeting without issuing any notice to the public.

“Our complaint has already brought about positive change,” said Associate Counsel Tom Kamenick. “The County Board issued a public notice when its members attended the April 24th Senate hearing on the county government reform bill.”

The WILL says it remains vigilant for any unit of government that does not follow the law, and works to advance the public interest by encouraging governmental units to comply with the letter and spirit of laws designed to inform the electorate and provide the public with complete information regarding the conduct of governmental business.