Resident urges Kenosha County to ban elected officials’ names on county vehicles

A Kenosha County resident asked the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday to consider a resolution prohibiting the placement of elected officials’ names on county-owned vehicles, saying the markings amount to inappropriate personalization of taxpayer property.

Veronica King, who identified her address for the record, said she filed a public records request with the sheriff’s office to learn the cost of name stickers and was told the sheriff’s office said the markings were stickers placed on four vehicles “to represent the veterans that are within our sheriff’s department.” King said the sheriff’s response indicated the stickers did not involve county expense.

“I stand before you this evening to ask that you consider a resolution that would prohibit the names of elected officials going on vehicles that are owned by the county that taxpayers pay for,” King said. She added that elected officials run for office and can be voted out, while only federal judges and U.S. Supreme Court justices hold permanent positions, and argued that a name on a county vehicle could remain even if the official lost re-election.

King framed her request as a policy change for the board to consider; the board did not take action during the meeting beyond hearing public comment. The clerk and county staff recorded the comment in the meeting minutes for potential follow-up.

The sheriff’s office response to King’s records request—described by King in public comment—said the name markings were stickers placed on four vehicles and were intended to honor veterans within the sheriff’s department. King said, based on that response, the stickers did not cost county taxpayers. The board did not discuss drafting a resolution on the floor during the meeting.

The matter may be picked up later through a formal resolution if a supervisor chooses to introduce it at a future meeting.