As we should all know by now, Lake Geneva “politics” has a reputation for being very messy at times. And, due to the actions of certain Alderman, it appears history is repeating itself.

In regard to Linda Frame’s personnel file, we already know everything we need to know. Linda was terminated (by her own admission) from her duties as the city’s harbor master in 2020. For anyone who has been an employee, manager, business owner – practically anyone living in the real world – you know how difficult it is to terminate an employee. Generally extensive conversations have been had with the employee in question and followed with formal, written documentation. Personally, I don’t care what’s in her file in that regard. Tom Earle is an exceptional department head and runs a very fair operation, if he determined the action necessary, then I can only assume it was in the best interest of the city. The problem here is about the ongoing attack of current city personnel.

Our city staff is extremely competent and committed to their duties, all the while being harassed by the general public and now elected officials.

This must stop now!

We will lose good, long-standing employees if these attacks continue. Having been an alderperson on the personnel committee, I know firsthand how challenging it is to recruit and train new employees. Our reputation for shenanigans and personal attacks doesn’t help. These folks don’t wake up every day wondering how best to mess with elected officials and perpetrate conspiracy theories. Trust me, they don’t care about you that much, they simply want to come to work every day and do the job at hand. Here’s what I would like to see happen going forward. I would like for all of you to put on your big boy and girl pants, stop being childish and petty and get to conducting important city business. This does not include hosting parties or hiring goats. Like every community in the country, we have real and substantive issues in Lake Geneva that will take maturity and intelligence to reconcile.

My first question for all of you is: “how does the recent State legislation on revenue sharing impact the City of Lake Geneva budget?

Further, what actions and questions are being addressed on a weekly basis to wrap our hands around budget deficits? Rather than whip up our business community against parking rates, how are you working with them on resolution? Where does our capital improvement plan sit as it relates to the coming new Lake Geneva firehouse? You were not elected to establish a voting bloc against the best interest of residents and taxpayers. You were not elected to point finger and name call. You were not elected to drive a wedge between staff and elected officials. You were not elected to do anything besides what’s in our best interest. Stop the foolishness and get to work!

Sarah Hill, Lake Geneva, WI