City Attorney Chuck Adams is once again under scrutiny for a lack of transparency in handling open records requests. In January 2023, a city resident submitted a request for closed-session meeting notes, minutes, and communications related to the suspension and termination of former City Administrator Todd Wolf.

The City of Sheboygan’s attorney’s office, headed by Adams and Liz Majerus, manages the release of open records. However, discrepancies have emerged. When the city released the closed session minutes from a November 7, 2022, meeting, two different records were provided.

The city has the right to redact certain information. Initially, Meredith DeBruin cited redactions due to discussions of a development deal that could incur added costs if disclosed. No mention was made of any redactions pertaining to Wolf’s situation.

Here is the first document released by the city in February 2023.
Click here to read (two pages).

Here is the recently released document of the same record.
Click here to read (six pages).

Why does the current document span six pages while the original was only two pages?

What is missing in the original?

The details of the discussions are absent.

Adams was quoted as saying, “We are not here to direct you in any certain way or decision but to act as a guide for decisions you are considering, but now that our liability concerns have changed.”

Alder Rust queried if Wolf posed a financial liability for the city. Adams affirmed, “Yes, he is.”

Subsequent quotes in the Sheboygan Press indicated that Wolf was a legal liability for the city.

Does it sound like Adams guided the Council instead of directing them to fire Todd Wolf?

A settlement in the Wolf lawsuit has since been reached, costing approximately $800,000.

Moreover, a federal lawsuit is ongoing, and two additional suits have been filed by terminated employees. These suits stem from decisions made by former Human Resources Director Adam Westbrook, supported by Adams and Majerus.

A potential lawsuit regarding the handling of open records requests by Adams and Majerus is also looming.

Previously, this site has raised concerns about the city attorney’s office.

Adams has:

• Refused to investigate former H.R. Director Adam Westbrook for misleading citizens in an email.
• Intimidated a local radio station for publishing an article on Westbrook’s resignation.
• Defended Westbrook in a letter while refusing to correct negative public perceptions of former Director of Planning and Development Chad Pelishek.
• Refused to denounce Westbrook, who faces charges of sex crimes against children.
• Granted a new title to Assistant City Attorney Liz Majerus without involving elected officials.

Adams labeled Wolf as a liability.

Chuck Adams is the real liability.

Adams withheld records in an open records request.

Why?

What was Adams trying to conceal?

What is he trying to conceal now?

The evidence indicates Adams did not comply transparently or ethically with an open records request.

Demand accountability for the city attorney’s office.

Email Casey Bradley today to request an ethics investigation into the city attorney’s office.

Could this be a violation of the law?

Open records laws clearly prohibit the destruction or concealment of records.

Ask Casey Bradley. casey.bradley@sheboyganwi.gov

Email Bradley and demand an ethics investigation of the City Attorney’s office. 

The Committee of the Whole is responsible for ethics investigations.

Alder Grazia Perella serves as its chair. Email her with your concerns about Chuck Adams’s actions and demand that she convenes the Committee of the Whole for an ethics investigation.

grazia.perrella@sheboyganwi.gov

It is up to you to protect your tax dollars.

If you are fed up with the out-of-control costs of all the lawsuits, 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/.

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