Three alderpersons participate in ethics workshop

The turnout was much lower than expected as only three members of the Rhinelander Common Council, and two members of the city’s administrative team, participated in an ethics workshop at City Hall April 21.
Amber Rehberg of the University of Wisconsin Extension led the 50-minute session which focused on “serving with integrity, honesty, accountability and fairness.”
The three alderpersons present — Tom Barnett, David Holt and Luke Kramer — were asked to consider their “core values” and then participate in a gallery walk where they moved from station to station answering questions and responding to prompts written on large posters.
Mayor Kris Hanus and city administrator Patrick Reagan also participated.

At the meeting’s outset, committee chair Michael Miller indicated the independent ethics panel was advised that April 21 was chosen as the date for the workshop based on feedback from the alderpersons as to their availability. He did note that alderman Steven Jopek, who serves on the ethics committee, did advise that he had a potential conflict and was unsure if he would be able to attend.
The Star Journal reached out to all of the alderpersons who were not present to offer them an opportunity to explain why they did not attend.
As of press time, alderpersons Carrie Mikalauski, Gerald Anderson and Leann Felton responded. Mikalauski advised that she was unable to attend due to illness while Anderson said he was occupied with household chores and simply forgot. He stressed that he’s supportive of the ethics committee’s work.Felton stated that she was out of town for the Easter holiday.
Through the gallery walk, the participants were asked to consider the Rhinelander community with respect to educational and occupational diversity, culture, religion, ethnic and racial makeup, and generational differences.
During discussion, the participants noted that the Rhinelander community is exceptionally open and welcoming and the people are very willing to work together to help solve problems or assist those in need.
Holt and Barnett, who both relocated to Rhinelander from other states, said they appreciate residents’ willingness to help others feel at home.
Rhinelander has a “hometown feel, even if it’s not your hometown,” Barnett said.
“I think what really drew me to stay here is the fact that although I wasn’t born and raised here everyone has made me feel as if I’ve always been here,” he explained.