Antagonism promotes power struggle on board of supervisors

By Claire and Julie Askelson, Decorah

Dear editor,

In recent weeks, I have read the several letters to the editor complaining about the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors. Most often the letters are accusatory of three members of the board. Letters written state of a “power struggle,” “not playing nice” and “women solve problems differently.”

The letters seem to ignore that there are two sides of each comment. I have attended the board meetings in-person and online for five years. There are two meetings that concerned me regarding the lone female’s undignified behavior toward three board members. The one instance was during the long discussion about the changes to the Roadside Management Program. During the meeting Vermace had her little helpers with posters surround the supervisors at the table. Chairman Langreck politely asked the helpers to sit down. Vermace retorted, ‘No, stay there.’ And they stayed. Vermace usurped the chairman’s authority; unethical behavior holding an in-your-face protest and ignoring the chairman’s request. Vermace has a problem with not being able to control board meetings. Secondly, following extended conversations regarding the accountability of the former county engineer over county road deterioration during his tenure, he voluntarily submitted his resignation. Upon the board accepting the former engineer’s resignation, Vermace disdainfully comments, ‘Are you happy boys?’ as she glared at Supervisors Vick, Kelsay and Langreck.

The letter writers refuse to admit that Vermace is antagonistic, promoting a power struggle. It is Shirley Vermace “not playing nice” with condescending remarks to three other supervisors. And Shirley has no clue how to solve problems without being a bully; tries to table decisions she can’t control the outcome. As a citizen of Winneshiek County, I see no place for her demonstration of unethical, condescending behavior toward representatives of Winneshiek County. Those three duly elected gentlemen represent three-fifths of Winneshiek County. Vermace has no problem insulting them or county residents. Change is needed.

District 3, please elect a candidate who is respectful to others, has been raised and educated locally, who learned business acumen in agri-business, possesses common-sense and will serve Winneshiek County with dignity.

Respectfully submitted,

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Scott Iverson
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24 days ago

2020 District 3 results
Shirley Vermace = 886
Julie Askelson = 823

Randy Haugen
Guest
21 days ago

Yes we do need change..Those three duly elected gentlemen mentioned all need to go…Vote them out.