Vernon County Board adopts resolution condemning political violence, adds protections for free speech

The Vernon County Board of Supervisors on Sept. 18 adopted Resolution 2025-49 condemning political violence and urging elected officials to avoid inflammatory rhetoric. Supervisor Lawler introduced the measure and the board approved two amendments before passing the resolution by voice vote.

Supervisor Lawler, who introduced the resolution, framed the measure as a reaffirmation of shared democratic values, saying, "This inability to disagree peacefully, to see that our shared humanity transcends our differences, is a cancer eating away at our county." The board amended the resolution to remove the phrase "both Republican and Democratic" and to add a reference to "elected officials" in the third whereas clause; the final text also explicitly reaffirms "the constitutional right of free speech."

The resolution instructs the county clerk to forward a copy to the governor, Wisconsin’s U.S. senators and congressman, and state legislators who represent Vernon County. The motion to adopt was made by Supervisor Slack and seconded by Supervisor Sullivan; Chair Lorn Goede called the question and the measure passed with all present voting in favor.

The adoption followed public comment that touched on political concerns: State Representative Tara Johnson addressed the board in support and said the resolution "sends an important message at an important time." The board did not attach enforcement actions or new policies to the resolution; it functions as a formal statement of the board's position.