Wausau Alder Deb Ryan. Image courtesy: City of Wausau
WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — Wausau’s Ethics Board is asking Alderperson Deb Ryan to give her response to the allegations brought forward against her by Marathon County Supervisor William Harris.
Board member Brian Mason said giving Ryan time to respond to the allegations brought against her is the fairest route to go. “To give this committee any sort of evidence that led her to assume Mr. Harris was doing something that he didn’t. I’d be curious to see the information that caused her to act- if there was something reasonable out there that existed. How are these claims being contested from her perspective?”
Attorney Ted Waskowski, who is advising the city in the matter, agreed that’s the best route. “[We need to ask] Alder Ryan what is true in here and what does she believe is not true- as to things that she did say and whatever they are, why did she say it, and what was the basis for saying that.”
That request will be delivered to Ryan in the form of a letter that will be delivered to her by next Friday. Once she gets it, she will have three weeks to respond.
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Ryan is accused of making defamatory statements against William Harris and accusing him of providing illegal advice to Mayor Katie Rosenberg regarding the community for all resolution. Harris also accuses Ryan of trying to get him fired from his position with Wisconsin Judicare and also threatening other employees at the firm.
In addition to getting Ryan’s response, the board may ask for input from other Alders that Ryan is said to have discussed the issues with. They may respond either in writing or in person at a future Ethics Board meeting.
Ryan has hired an attorney to assist her in the matter. She was present at Wednesday’s meeting but did not address the board.
Attorney Waskowski has also informed the board that they will need at least one additional member to join their ranks if the matter reaches the hearing stage. They are currently operating with three members, which is the bare minimum for a quorum after former City Council member Mary Thao resigned her position and a fourth member recused himself because he helped Harris circulate nominating petitions for a seat as a Marathon County judge in the upcoming spring election.
The board is scheduled to meet again on March 14th.
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