Marshfield Residents Not Happy With Mayor's Removal

Wednesday, March 31st, 2021 -- 12:00 PM

(WDLB) In their first meeting since removing Bob McManus from the Mayor's office last week, Marshfield aldermen last night heard from citizens who were not happy with that decision.

According to WDLB, the Common Council spent the first 20 minutes of last night's meeting listening to four residents who spoke out against the Council's 8-to-2 vote on March 22nd to remove McManus from office over allegations he deleted text messages he should not have, lied about it, and misled city officials and the public about it, all of which were the basis of a complaint filed against the former Mayor by Andy Keogh, retired Dean of the U-W campus in Marshfield and a longtime member of the city's Fire-and-Police Commission.

Jim Hiller of 1011 East Grant Street began his comments with applause for what he called one of the best dog-and-pony shows he's ever seen.  Hiller also said the Council "demonstrated a clear, slanted attack against the Mayor".

Nick Bremmer of 1906 East McMillan Street called the McManus hearings "a mockery of local government". Bremmer said it was clear to him and many others that the hearings' conclusion was decided before any testimony was given.

Bremmer also said it was clear to him that the priorities of Council members are not to serve the Marshfield community, but rather to spend time and money on removing what they see as obstacles to their own self interests.

Lyle Lang of 800 Maryknoll Avenue said the hearings left him "incredibly disappointed" and in a state of disbelief. Lang also said it was clear to him that members of the Common Council, and Fire-and-Police Commission, take themselves way too seriously, and see themselves as "king makers".

Council President Tom Witzel has assumed the role of acting Mayor, only to the point of performing limited required duties, such as running Council meetings and signing official documents.

The Council last night made no determination on how to move forward with filling the position of Mayor. At the time of his removal from office last Monday night, McManus had just over one year remaining on the two-year term he was elected to in April of 2020.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.