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2010-10-07 tracking Geneva, Linn Township section

Why didn't they comply
Geneva, Linn Township
Former police chief won't be leaving empty-handed
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October 06, 2010 | 08:53 AM
Geneva — Town Board Supervisor Bob Kamps said he's not a computer person.

He admitted that Monday, shortly after the town of Geneva complied with the Regional News open records request concerning any and all documents about former police chief Ed Gritzner's retirement, including e-mails.

Kamps didn't comply with this request. He said he thought it was something to be handled by Lauderdale.

"I knew about the open records request (but) I didn't realize it was for all of us," Kamps said.

When asked if he received a Sept. 23 e-mail from Town Clerk-Treasurer Deb Kirch asking Town Board members and former administrator Margaret Downing to provide any documents which meet the requested criteria, Kamps said he didn't.

As it turns out, he hasn't been receiving several e-mails lately.

Well, more than several.

"My account has like 150 e-mails on it," Kamps said. "It's full. I'm not really computer literate."

He said he had asked to have e-mail from his account with the address supervisor1@townofgenevawi.com forwarded to his personal AOL account. Kamps said he requested this when the supervisor's account was established. Apparently, this request was never fulfilled.

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On Tuesday, Kirch said she sent the Sept. 23 e-mail to the supervisor's address for Kamps because she believed it would be forwarded to his personal e-mail address.

"I thought that he said it was OK because it was being forwarded to a different e-mail, (but) that hadn't been set up," she said.

He said he doesn't have e-mails about Gritzner on his personal account. He also offered to allow the Regional News to look through his laptop computer.

As for the Sept. 23 e-mail, Kamps said it "got bounced back" to Kirch. On Monday, an e-mail to the supervisor account from the Regional News also was undeliverable. A mail administrator's message states the account "is temporarily over quota."

Kamps said he doesn't know how to access the supervisor's account and a technician is supposed to access it for him "in a couple of days."

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He also said his heart has been elsewhere these days. Recently, Kamps became the new pastor at Como Community Church.

"I really haven't been paying attention to the whole township thing," he said.

As for Millard, an attempt to reach him for comment Tuesday was unsuccessful by press time. On Tuesday morning, Kirch said she hadn't heard from him yet. She was expected to contact Millard Tuesday.

Downing, Lauderdale and Supervisors Larry Kulik and Steve Kukla complied with the request.

Lauderdale provided a Sept. 14 e-mail to the Geneva Town Police Commission about the special meeting for Gritzner's retirement announcement and e-mails to and from the Regional News, which were used in previous articles.

Kulik submitted an Aug. 14 e-mail to Lauderdale about rescheduling a veterinary appointment around an upcoming board meeting. Kukla stated he has "no e-mails or paperwork relating to this subject." Downing also provided an answer similar to Kukla's.

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  1. report print email
    No Response and Not Computer savvy!
    October 06, 2010 | 02:49 PM

    I am not that computer literate either but I do know my way around for emails. No Response from the other supervisor. I seen him outside his business today. He is in the area alright.


    Press "D" for DELETE
  2. report print email
    Why do we trust and elect people to be
    October 07, 2010 | 09:00 AM

    responsible for millions of our tax money, roads, etc. that do not know how to operate a computer and use email? We truly deserve the government we elect i guess.

    get to the 20th century
  3. report print email
    get to the 20th century
    October 07, 2010 | 09:25 AM

    Keep coming!

    In the 21st century
    Earth
  4. report print email
    So picture this, you work for a company that has a multi
    October 07, 2010 | 10:13 AM

    million dollar budget, is worth hundreds of millions of dollars, and now virtually none of the people in charge understand how to use a computer or email. How long in this economy and technology driven era will this company be able to deliver an efficient product at a reasonable cost in a effective manner? Thank Gosh the company I refer to is local government and they have a monopoly with no chance of competition and the ability to just increase our taxes when they need more money. Because if they had to compete and be accountable to their customer base, delivering a quality product at a reasonable cost they would be out of business. Maybe the media instead of asking the usual softball questions could in the upcoming spring election ask questions like:
    1. Please explain your experience with technology such as e-mail, computers, spreadsheets etc.
    2. Do you believe using technology can help your job performance?
    3. In your past employment did you use technology, or a pen and paper?
    4. List three items you would focus on to gain efficiency and reduce costs.
    5. What is your opinion of the current level of taxation?



    get to the 20th century
  5. report print email
    Your Heart Is In Other Places
    October 07, 2010 | 07:17 PM

    Mr Kamps I always looked up to you, but when you start using your new title for your gain that is wrong. Please act classy like you have always done in the past and also I do mean this good luck with your church you are doing a great job there.

    Old Boy
    LKG
  6. report print email
    Here's what should be the law.
    October 10, 2010 | 09:12 AM

    When a person becomes elected to public office they should sign a form stating they they have been informed on how to use email, that they are fully aware of Wisconsin's Open Records Law, and will knowingly and willingly comply with the law if requested. Professing ignorance and I don't know how to use email, I thought someone else took care of it, and I didn't think it applied to all of us DOES NOT CUT IT! Hopefully you're not as ignorant in your other endeavors.

    Citizen gov't. is becoming a joke
  7. report print email
    Are u SERIOUS!!
    October 14, 2010 | 12:03 PM

    What is up with this ridiculous statement: "I really haven't been paying attention to the whole township thing," he said." WHAT!!! You were awake enuf to agree to spending 2 million of my dollars on a new town hall for something you "haven't been paying attention to..." WHAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Resign please!! If you are not fulfilling your "ELECTED" responsibility - get out! Lets get someone there who cares enuf to pay attention.

    Enuf
    Como
  8. report print email
    enough of the rotten comments guys.
    October 14, 2010 | 01:32 PM

    I am ashamed of the town residents on this blog who are criticizing the character of both Keith Millard and Bob Kamps. Keith runs a business in a garage and doesnt have time to sit on the computer, and serves many hours in our community off the clock and on. Bob also works in a role away from a computer and is a pastor for heavens sake. Both are very involved honorable citizens who do more volunteer work in our community than most people spend on their full time jobs. They both have served the community more honorably than some of the politicians who are currently serving will ever do. Cut them some slack, this is a thankless job for a whopping $6000/per year especially when they have to put up with idiots like yourself. Also, I have noticed that these guys actually come prepared to meetings unlike many of the officials who apparently are technologically saavy but dont bother to prepare for meetings. Some of our current officials have much more time on their hands, as they are retired with pensions, with no full time jobs to commit too. I am sure Bob Kamps comments were pulled out of context, or he didnt think about the public perception of those comments. He has served honorably, and both have the integrity to do what is in the best interest of our community rather than advance their agendas. I dont think they even have an agenda other than serve their ungrateful constituants like you honorably...rare find for a politician. I would argue some of our current officials who are technologically savvy are in their positions to accomplish their narrow minded agendas rather than serve their consituants honorably. Pick your evil people.....

    town of geneva resident
  9. report print email
    Question
    October 14, 2010 | 02:44 PM

    Is it alright and legal for an offical to be doing work on Township equipment? Wouldn't that be a conflict? How was that contract awarded by the Township and should it have been?

    Just wondering.
  10. report print email
    Test
    October 14, 2010 | 03:15 PM

    Bump

    Test
  11. report print email
    just wondering
    October 14, 2010 | 03:25 PM

    good heavens....no I dont think doing repairs on equipment by an official is a problem not if he's competent, reliable and prompt and close to the service cite, why not...I saw him working on town equipment long before he ran for office. .....again like I said, pick your evil. if millard is guilty of anything, it is being honest about not being internet saavy. Should politicians be forced to show they can type proficiently as well? no wonder the honest with no agendas rarely serve. it is just not worth the public scrutiny like this, and is truly a thankless job at this level. so we get what we deserve. the rotten sly ones with agendas feel its worthwhile to put the effort into it and put up with the crap to advance their cause or their egos..., and are saavy enough not to misstep. dont our locals who may just be trying to do a good job to the best of his ability...this internet thing is a teachable moment...simple to fix. learn to use email.....get over it.

    town of geneva resident
  12. report print email
    town of geneva resident
    October 14, 2010 | 03:34 PM

    No one is calling anyone dishonest here. But being an elected official of Township government he should have stepped aside from doing work on Township equipment. Just doesn't look right a elected official working on government equipment,and charging for work done. I think they had a huge investigation in Illinois and Chicago about awarding government contracts. This is no different and I understand he did it before he was elected. He was a citizen then, now he has been elected and is a government official. That changes things alot.

    Just wondering
  13. report print email
    just wondering
    October 14, 2010 | 03:53 PM

    ok. I clearly understand your concern for the potential conflict of interest when it comes to huge maintenance accounts like in chicago. but the comparison to chicago politics is over the top compared to working on a squad or 2 every other month???. those are $million contracts, and those politicians are paid way better than our locals (I hear chicago politicians have many perks not on the books)..... but I disagree on Millard to step aside on working on town equipment. and he shouldnt have to do it for free. it has to be hard enough to earn a living in his business and I notice he employs a couple of employees. I would rather see our town taxpayer money going to a town business to employ town residents. Is it really a rewarding job to be a politician around here?? look at the scrutiny on these blogs alone what is privacy worth? He already devotes much time to preparing and attending meetings. He has to be available for special meetings. he is on call on weekends. he responds to town highway emergencies at all hours and on weekends. I would add up all that time and divide by his $6,000 fee before taxes for being a town supervisor. I would suspect he is probably making say....$1 hour for the town supervisor pay? come on here.... Millard could be so lucky to profit so nicely...if the township bill from maintenance were that high, it would be worthwhile to resign. I would argue knowing how honest he is that he may actually be more sensitive about scrutiny than someone else who would submit higher bills knowing it were a municipality.

    town of geneva resident
  14. report print email
    My Last Question
    October 14, 2010 | 04:04 PM

    You say he responds to town highway emergencies at all hours. What kind of emergencies? I realize he works hard as does all officials at other jobs. But how many of them get paid by the Township (taxpayers) for work they do on their other jobs. It just doesn't look right and I am not saying anything is or has been going on. It just shouldn't be. He gets paid outside of his supervisor position for township work. So we the taxpayers are paying him twice. Once as a supervisor and once as a garage owner/mechanic. Just doesn't seem right. That is all I am going to say on this. Maybe I am wrong.

    Just Wondering
  15. report print email
    just wondering
    October 14, 2010 | 05:01 PM

    I dont think you are computing. He gets paid for his supervisor job $6000. I didnt think he gets paid extra for overseeing the highway dept or acting as liasion for emergencies. I dont think anyone would argue this is too much. Why should he not get paid for doing work as a mechanic for fair market value of mechanic work for the town? he is a civilian too and a taxpayer. What doesnt seem right about that? I am no politician, but I think there are dollar limits on jobs and contracts that need to be sent out for bids. I dont see township equipment there enough to raise my concerns.... What is wrong these days is noone trusts any of our public officials, and this stigma is well deserved. It is too bad that just because someone runs for office they cant have a normal life, and that includes earning an honest wage and being accused of doing something untoward or assumed guilty until proven innocent.

    town of geneva resident
  16. report print email
    No One said
    October 14, 2010 | 05:31 PM

    he can't earn an honest wage or living just because he is an elected official. Also everything you list that he has to do as part of being a supervisor well he chose to run for that position. He wasn't drafted or forced into it. He just should not be working on township vehicles and equipment while he holds public office. It is a conflict no mater how small. He can work on anyone else's vehicles he wants to and how much he wants to but not township related equipment. That to me is a huge no no and should not be allowed. There are no other places that work on cars in the whole township. How about a dealer. You said it yourself he should be allowed to make fair market wage.
    I don't care how large or small the Town or City is it just should not be allowed. It looks like he has plenty to keep him busy looking at his garage lot.

    Just wondering
  17. report print email
    Town of Geneva Resident
    October 15, 2010 | 11:46 AM

    Mr. Kamps was NOT at the last board meeting. I don't necessarily disagree about your issues with Millard working on town equipment, if this contract or whatever was in place before he took office, he should not have to give it up simply because he took office. If I'm not mistaken, Mr. Loomer used to cut the park and town grass back when he was in office....don't know if that was before he was elected or not.

    My other problem concerning Mr. Kamps, is he lives about as far on the edge of our township as you can get. His area should really be in the city of lake geneva. Also, his own admittance that he has not been paying attention to town business and that his heart isn't in it, concern me greatly. He should step down. His term is almost up and Vegas won't take the odds on whether or not he'll run...he's pretty much stated he won't be. But, if one of his lack flagrant acts of disinterest, is to help Louie get a $2 million dollar town hall - that I have a huge problem with.

    I'm not picking on him, he made those statements. He's shown by his actions of not attending meetings that it is true - well - make room for someone who does care enuf to pay attention.

    Enuf
    Como
  18. report print email
    enuf, como
    October 16, 2010 | 06:30 PM

    obviously you are not a supporter of building a town hall. ok fine. it is your right to be opposed to that. dont skew the facts here to make kamps or any of the supervisors look bad here. no one voted to spend $2million to build a town hall. not kamps, not louie, not any of the town supervisors voted to spend $2million on the town hall. the ad hoc committee simply asked for a budget to submit a plan in the event that building a new town hall option was chosen. the ad hoc committee was appointed to review all possible options for the town board to consider. one option was do nothing. one option was to buy new property and build all new. one option was to re-model the current building and expand on the site, or perhaps expand to adjoining property. apparently you didnt attend the publically posted meetings where this was discussed. It was pathetic to see that virtually noone attended those meetings which were all posted publically. the chair, who insisted that the committee be very transparent with activities, cancelled meetings when they werent posted in enough time. He even printed copies of the ad hoc commitees recommendations for 4 different options, for not only the town supervisors but for all of the audience that were in attendence. I hate to point out the obvious to you, but it is very hard to prepare the budget or option to build without a budget. the ad hoc committee simply asked for a ballpark budget for potential new construction in the event that the new construction option was chosen. Please educate yourself, or at the very least attend the meetings so you can get your facts straight.

    town of geneva resident
  19. report print email
    Town of Geneva resident
    October 18, 2010 | 07:05 AM

    Ok. Thank you for allowing me to not approve of a new town hall. However, a resolution authorizing the investigation of a proposal to borrow 2 mill was reported by this paper. While not an official borrowing it's step 1. While you were gracious enuf to allow me my opinion I will return that favor. Now,y issues with Mr. Kamps is his own comment about not paying attention to town business as reported (need I say it again) in this paper. I choose to not drink the kool aide thank u

    Enuf
    Como
  20. report print email
    enuf, como
    October 18, 2010 | 12:18 PM

    I dont dissagree with you that our politicians should stay focused on their commitment to their duties. I am a taxpayer here too, and dont want leaders that dont care. Personally, i am not too surprised at Mr kamps honesty, albeit not the smartest thing to say if you are in political office. We could use some more honesty here from some of our officials...I would be willing to bet that the sentiments are the same from some other politicians, they were just smart enough not to admit it. Yes. and the other town supervisors approved the resolution to look at $2mill to build a town hall. This number was thrown out as a worse case budget for a proposed new construction. This was a request from the ad hoc committee simply to continue to present that as one of the options for the town to review. I would assume the taxpayers would want to know that all options were thoroughly investigated. by the way, money will never be cheaper, labor will never be cheaper, and the cost of not doing something like this now, and waiting may be more expensive in the long run, especially when you look at some of the issues that are currently a problem with the existing building, and I am not referring to cramped space for the employees as one of them. You sound like an informed person. I would assume you know that town meetings as well as the ad hoc committee meetings were publically posted. If you dont want to be accused of drinking the kool aid, dont rely on what you read in the paper. attend the meetings, especially if is an issue that you feel strongly enough about, especially if you are going to make statements that are intended to characterize someone.

    long time geneva resident
  21. report print email
    town of geneva resident
    October 19, 2010 | 07:26 AM

    Last post on this topic. I believe Mr. Targo does a good job of reporting what's happening. I am a fortunate individual in that I have a job. However, that is the same reason I can't get to the meetings as I am usually not home until well after they've begun. So, I'll continue to rely on the paper, and to some extent, these blogs to stay abreast of topics. On line posted agenda's are vague at times, I don't believe its intentional as some have suggested in other posts. But I also use that tool to see what is going on.
    In closing, I do feel that I have kept informed, sitting in the town meeting room does not change that.

    Enuf
    Como
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