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Judge dismisses lawsuit against Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele
Judge dismisses lawsuit against Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele
MILWAUKEE — A Milwaukee County judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by the county board chairman against the county executive.
Judge William Sosnay said Monday, February 29th only the county board can sue unless supervisors adopt a resolution directing its chairman to act on their behalf.
Theo Lipscomb, Milwaukee County Board chairman
Chairman Theo Lipscomb filed the lawsuit in October.
He wants legal clarification on whether County Executive Chris Abele has unilateral authority to award pay raises to his political appointees who aren't covered by civil service rules.
Lipscomb also wants a judge to decide whether Abele is obligated to attend county board meetings when requested. Lipscomb says he'll refile the lawsuit.
"This is not a personal dispute between me and the county executive. This is about the powers of the two offices -- the county executive and the powers of the county board," Lipscomb said.
Chris Abele
"Just from a fundamental legal issue, the county board chair doesn't have the ability to come in and dictate what county policy is going to be. That's something that's left for the county board itself," Ron Stadler, county executive's attorney said.
Lipscomb's Office issued the following statement to FOX6 News: