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Committee recommends granting operator license to Diana Buchholz after discussion of recent OWI convictions
Summary
The Green Bay Protection Policy Committee voted to recommend an operator (liquor) license for Diana Buchholz after hearing from police staff and Buchholz about recent OWI convictions, sobriety steps and employment needs; the recommendation goes to the Common Council for final approval May 20.
The Green Bay Protection Policy Committee voted to recommend that Diana Buchholz be granted an operator license, a recommendation that will be finalized by the Common Council at its May 20 meeting.
Committee members heard the police explanation and then Buchholz’s account before voting. Lieutenant Mahoney said the applicant’s record included recent alcohol-related convictions and that staff had recommended denial due to her status as a repeat offender. Buchholz told the committee she has been sober for more than five months and is taking steps to maintain sobriety: “I haven't drank or driven in over a year. I have over 5 months sober. I'm taking the actions that I need to take to maintain my sobriety.” She said she needs the license to keep a nearby gas-station job and to attend school and pursue a career in substance-abuse counseling.
Committee members asked about the criminal record, treatment and supervision. Buchholz said she attends Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings “usually three times a week,” has a sponsor and has completed a court-ordered driver safety plan. She also said she was released from an ankle bracelet on or about April 4 and that she is working to reinstate an occupational license through the court process.
During discussion, staff clarified the licensing standard: the committee typically flags applicants with felonies or habitual-offender records. Lieutenant Mahoney characterized the charge at issue as an OWI second within the past two years and explained that the license denial recommendation reflected the recent alcohol-related offenses and the habitual-offender consideration. A committee member noted later in the discussion that, after review, Buchholz did not appear to have other significant record entries in the prior five years.
A motion to grant Buchholz’s appeal carried after a voice vote. Committee members approved the recommendation by voice; members were told the Common Council will make the final decision on May 20 and that the clerk’s office will follow up with Buchholz about next steps.
The committee’s action was limited to recommending the license to the Common Council; no final city license was issued at the committee meeting.
