In July 2023, Mayor Sorenson faced an ethics investigation over a photo taken by Visit Sheboygan at the Sheboygan Pride Event, where he posed with the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. The investigation concluded the complaint was “unfounded” and would be closed.
Do you know who conducted the ethics investigation?
Former Human Resources Director Adam Westbrook conducted the investigation.
Watch the video of Dean Dekker defending Westbrook here.
Westbrook is awaiting sentencing in federal court after being convicted of sex crimes against his own child.
In the complaint, Westbrook stated he interviewed three people. The report includes quotes from:
- Mayor Ryan Sorenson
- Visit Sheboygan CEO
- A male in the photo from the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.
In dismissing the complaint, Westbrook wrote:
“When analyzing whether Mayor Sorenson’s actions represent an attack on any specific religion, one must look to the facts of the event. According to the Abbey of the Brew City Sisters, they believe they are nuns, and their outfits are not a mockery, but a calling. It would be improper to substitute a non-member’s opinion of the group for the group’s stated mission and purpose. However, even if the outfit were to have been one mocking Catholics (which there is no evidence to support), the facts do not support the conclusion that the Mayor engaged in any inappropriate or unethical behavior by being present at the same event as them.”
Westbrook’s argument hinges on the Abbey of the Brew City Sisters’ statement they are not mocking religion because they consider themselves nuns, and their outfits reflect their mission, not mockery. He further argues that non-members shouldn’t substitute their opinions for the group’s stated mission.
But does this mean if you’re not a member, you have no right to question a group’s mission statement, even if it contradicts your beliefs?
There’s also speculation that Preston Kite, the former law enforcement officer sentenced to 65 years in prison for sex crimes against children and animals, may have ties to the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.
The initial investigation into Kite led police to Westbrook. The two reportedly shared videos of crimes involving Westbrook’s child.
It’s been 256 days since Sheboygan residents submitted Open Records requests to Mayor Sorenson, asking about any communications with Preston Kite. They’ve received no response or acknowledgment from the mayor.
Why is Sorenson silent?
Do you think this ethics investigation should be reexamined?
Contact:
Ask Common Council President Dean Dekker to look at this investigation. Dekker apologized to Westbrook when he resigned stating Sheboygan ran off a good employee and we are better than this.
Council President Dean Dekker- dean.dekker@sheboyganwi.gov
Email Committe of the Whole Chairperson Grazia Perella asking her to convene the Committee of the Whole to look at this Ethics Investigation.
Committee of the Whole Chair Grazia Perella- grazia.perrella@sheboyganwi.gov
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