County executive faces backlash over courthouse campaign interview

During a recent government meeting, a heated discussion emerged regarding the county executive's decision to allow a campaign news interview with Vice Presidential candidate JD Vance to take place inside the Kenosha County courthouse. Supervisor Franco expressed strong disapproval, arguing that the courthouse should not serve as a venue for political activities, citing a previous decision to restrict political use of county property.

Franco highlighted that while public events could be held in areas like Civic Center Park, the courthouse's role should remain strictly non-political. He referenced a prior agreement allowing Congressman Stile to use an office in the KCC building solely for constituent services, emphasizing that such spaces should not be utilized for campaign purposes.

The supervisor acknowledged security concerns, particularly following recent threats against political figures, which necessitated a safe location for the interview. However, he contended that alternative venues could have been arranged outside of county property, maintaining that the content of the interview—focused on crime and safety—was inherently political.

Franco criticized the rationale that a news interview could be separated from campaign activities, arguing that all discussions by politicians during a campaign are political in nature. He questioned the inconsistency in allowing a vice presidential candidate to conduct an interview in the courthouse while prohibiting other politicians from engaging in similar activities on county property.

The meeting concluded without further citizen comments, leaving the debate over the appropriateness of political activities in government spaces unresolved.