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Milwaukee County fires in-house attorney

By: Beth Kevit, [email protected]//July 10, 2013//

Milwaukee County fires in-house attorney

By: Beth Kevit, [email protected]//July 10, 2013//

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The Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors voted 13-5 Wednesday to uphold its firing of top in-house attorney Kimberly Walker.

The board voted to fire Walker in June by the same margin. The supervisors did not discuss that action, which County Executive Chris Abele vetoed.

However, some supervisors explained their position during discussion Wednesday. Supervisors David Bowen and Khalif Rainey said they believed Walker represented more ardently the positions of the county executive than of the county board.

“I think it’s important,” Bowen said, “that we keep in mind you need somebody that’s going to represent both branches.”

Supervisor Peggy Romo West said she was dissatisfied with Walker’s performance and advice, which Romo West said has opened the county board to more than 20 “tedious open records requests.”

“Yes they’re important,” she said, “and yes the public has a right to know, but the question becomes: How much does the public have a right to know?”

Supervisors Deanna Alexander, Willie Johnson Jr. and Michael Mayo Sr. spoke in support of Walker. Mayo said he was concerned the board has set a dangerous precedent.

Abele must nominate a replacement attorney, and the board must confirm that appointment.

— Beth Kevit

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