Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Since I am blocked from commenting on the Washington County Insider Facebook page, I will attempt to answer some of the accusations made by former Sheriff Schmidt in his opinion piece posted on the Washington County Insider Facebook page.

Washington County has been proactive in our response to this pandemic. We have worked closely with the Washington/Ozaukee Health Department to formulate our strategic plan to address actions that the County will take. We have assembled a team that addresses all aspects of our response to all corners of Washington County and communicate with our municipalities on a regular basis. We have advised all municipalities that Washington County stands ready to assist in any way possible, including reallocating County employees wherever needed. We are acquiring resources necessary to provide to our County partners. Per Health Department directives, we closed visitation to Samaritan and all senior care facilities have prohibited visitation to stem the spread of COVID-19. We have regularly posted on our website, Facebook page, made public statements to our local media and have converted to a virtual campus. As chairman, I made the decision to declare a public emergency which was unanimously approved by the County Board.

The Board also, in that resolution, gave the Administrator, in consultation with the Board Chairman, the authority to make real time decisions, that if necessary, are to be approved by the Executive Committee. This pandemic is causing government to react to new developments in real time, making it impossible to call an emergency meeting of the Board to discuss critical decisions that need to be made immediately.

In regards to political activity, the assertions made by Dale are inherently false. Any political activity is allowed off County premises and on personal time. The First Amendment allows for free speech, including political speech when on personal time. Using Dale's logic, he would not have been able to conduct his campaign as Sheriff when running for re-election. His assertion is erroneous, and he is well aware that his former position gives him credibility. Unfortunately, many who read his opinion piece will believe it. I cannot understand his motivation for sowing the seeds of discontent in a time that we should be uniting. I hope that someday, he can reconcile his anger and move on. He has accomplished many good things in his term as Sheriff. Causing turmoil like this is simply tarnishing his legacy.

I have been open in my support of Josh for County Executive. He simply is the best qualified candidate for the position. Simply put, his opponent is not. My job is to make sure that Washington County is in the best position to create the best environment for our citizens. No hidden agenda here. Washington County is the number one county in Wisconsin for the quality of life. I intend to keep it that way by making our government more responsive to "We the people". So if that bothers Dale, I stand accused and guilty.