City Attorney Chuck Adams Refused to Investigate Former H.R. Director Adam Westbrook

TBS has been made aware of two cases where citizens brought forward concerns regarding former Human Resources Director Adam Westbrook. We previously discussed Westbrook’s resignation letter, where he cited “unwavering support” both personally and professionally from Assistant City Attorney Liz Majerus.

Two citizen complaints were shared requesting Westbrook investigate the photo of Mayor Sorenson at the Pride Event with the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.

On July 26, at 11:26 a.m., Westbrook responded to a citizen who voiced concern over the photo. Westbrook informed that citizen he was currently investigating the incident due to another citizen’s complaint regarding violations of ethics and harassment based on religion.

Roughly twenty minutes later, Westbrook emailed the second citizen stating he would not conduct an ethics investigation of Mayor Sorenson for the photo at the Pride Event.

This concern was brought forward to Westbrook in an email from one citizen asking why he lied by telling the first citizen there was currently an ethics investigation being conducted and then telling the second citizen he would not conduct an ethics investigation.

Westbrook was so bold that when the citizen stated they were going to ask Attorney Adams to open an investigation around lying, Westbrook told the citizen he would help by sharing his documentation of all events leading up to the complaint with the citizen.

In Westbrook’s own documentation, he stated that he told the first citizen there was currently a harassment investigation open regarding Mayor Sorenson. Roughly 20 minutes later, Westbrook documented that he informed the second citizen he would not conduct a harassment investigation.

Westbrook shared his own documentation of his lie.

This was brought forward to City Attorney Chuck Adams, and no investigation was opened into former H.R. Director Adam Westbrook.

There was also an open records request from a different citizen regarding an investigation into Westbrook for an inappropriate comment that may have embarrassed another employee.

The City Attorney responded that there were no records of any investigation regarding Adam Westbrook and a sexual harassment investigation.

Adams went on to accuse the resident of making a false accusation of harassment. There was only a request for records. No accusation.

When Westbrook resigned, WHBL posted an article on the resignation that included a mention of the records request. Adams was quick to respond to WHBL, releasing a press release. In the press release, Adams states that early in Westbrook’s tenure, a city employee contacted Adams with concerns over a comment Westbrook made to another employee. Adams noted that he talked to a few people and quickly determined that everything was “appropriate and above board.”

Adams also states that “city officials are demanding WHBL retract their misleading article and apologize for its actions smearing the name of a valued employee.”

Two concerns were brought forward, and Adams did not investigate Adam Westbrook.

Why did Adams refuse to investigate Westbrook?

Maybe because Adams and Westbrook knew each other before Westbrook came to Sheboygan.

Maybe because Westbrook reached out to Adams when he first applied for the role in Sheboygan, and Adams told Westbrook that he would “do what he can” to help Westbrook get the position and that it “would be great to have you on our team.”

The City Attorney is an elected position.

Elected officials are elected because they are held accountable by their constituents.

The role of an attorney involves the law. The law is not accountable to anyone. The law is the law.

Lady Justice is blindfolded for a reason.

The Sheboygan City Attorney’s office is peeking from behind the blindfold, not seeking justice but protecting political interests.

They provided unwavering support, personally and professionally, to someone who created a culture of fear and intimidation.

A culture that currently has the city facing multiple lawsuits.

That person is now facing allegations of child sex crimes.

How many other cities have elected attorneys?

Is there a better way to provide this service to your city?

Why is your attorney’s office not avoiding lawsuits filed against your city?

The time is now to call on Casey Bradley as the City Administrator and ask for an investigation and a better solution to Sheboygan’s legal needs.

Email Casey Bradley with your questions and concerns here:
casey.bradley@sheboyganwi.gov

Take Back Sheboygan County knows that many former and current City employees have been reluctant to share their stories for fear of retaliation. If you are one of these, we welcome you to contact us. Your name will not be shared without permission. You can contact us at https://takebacksheboygancounty.com/contact/.

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