Mayor Sorenson Fails to Lead Common Council: How Can He Lead Sheboygan?

The Common Council meeting on March 18 was pivotal in deciding who would fill the vacant seat created by Amanda Salazar’s resignation. However, the meeting could not start on time because there were not enough alders showing up to form a quorum.

Mayor Sorenson has failed to lead his Council in showing up for meetings.

The most shocking absences were those of Alders Barb Ackley and Angela Ramey. Alder Barb Felde, who was supposed to sign on virtually, was not present at the start.

These three alders, who failed to appear, are known to be loyal to Mayor Sorenson except in their most basic duty—showing up to conduct the business of the City of Sheboygan.

The meeting was delayed eight minutes due to a lack of quorum.

Approximately two minutes in, City Attorney Adams can be heard stating that there is a council provision and an ordinance allowing the Chief of police to find the missing alders. Mayor Sorenson asks what provision before the microphones are shut off.

City Attorney Adams was suggesting to Mayor Sorenson that the Chief of Police could physically locate the absent alders and bring them to City Hall for the meeting.

Mayor Sorenson nearly had to resort to using the power of the police chief just to get his alders to show up!

Witness the discomfort of eight minutes, which feels like an eternity, as you watch your mayor fail you as a resident of Sheboygan.

Click Here to See Video Delay in Start of 03.18.2024 Council Meeting

Although Alder Felde eventually logged on remotely, this incident raises concerns about her attendance and capability to serve.

Alder Felde has a troubling attendance record for Common Council meetings.

Out of the last 15 meetings, she has been absent eight times.

She logged in remotely for five of them and was physically present only twice.

Felde does not show up to serve you!

Could you show up less than half the time to your job?

Felde’s committee attendance record highlights her failure to serve her residents and the city of Sheboygan.

She has missed 70% of the last 10 Licensing, Hearings, and Public Safety Committee meetings, where she serves as Vice Chair.

Felde has not attended the last seven Finance and Personnel Committee meetings.

This is not acceptable.

The residents of District 1 deserve an alder who will show up.

The City of Sheboygan deserves an alder who is present for two essential committees.

Barb Felde is failing the residents of District 1 and Sheboygan.

The responsibility to address this lies with the Council leadership.

Mayor Sorenson and Council President Dean Dekker must act and provide the leadership needed to correct Barb Felde’s massive failure as an alder!

If Dean Dekker took his role as Council President as seriously as he defended former H.R. Director Adam Westbrook, who is facing federal charges for sex crimes against children, he would initiate the replacement of Felde immediately.

Click Here to See Dean Dekker Defend Former H.R. Director Facing Charges of Sex Crimes Against Children

Mayor Sorenson, as the presiding member of the Common Council, is responsible for leading the Council.

But…

He cannot even ensure the alders show up!

If Mayor Sorenson cannot lead the Council, how can he lead Sheboygan?

If you are a District 1 resident, you must demand more from your alder.

If you live in Sheboygan, you must insist on a full council representing you.

This is an issue for the entire city!

Email Council President Dean Dekker and Mayor Sorenson to demand that they lead and remove Alder Felde immediately for her failure to meet the obligations of her position.

Mayor Sorenson- ryan.sorenson@sheboyganwi.gov

Alder Dean Dekker- dean.dekker@sheboyganwi.gov

You deserve more!
Speak up now!

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/.

You are the solution! Be part of a movement to improve your community!