Latest news with #Kaczinski
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Madison County Auditor drops legal effort to have former campaign manager hired
MADISON COUNTY, Iowa — The Madison County Auditor has abandoned an effort to challenge a Board of Supervisors' decision that prevented her former campaign manager from being hired. An attorney for Teri Kaczinski filed a motion to dismiss the claims she had made in a petition just hours before a Trial Scheduling Conference was expected to be held Monday morning. The petition for a writ of certiorari, filed on April 3, had formally requested the Iowa Supreme Court to review a March 26 decision by the BOS. The issue surrounded a resolution to hire Leslie Beck as a part-time Second Deputy within the Auditor's office for $27 an hour. This was a move that came after multiple efforts by Kaczinski to employ Beck using county funds. Those efforts included twice as an employee of the Auditor's office and a third time as an employee of a third-party consulting agency that was hired by Auditor Kaczinski in late January for $250 an hour. See corpse flower 'Stink Floyd's' rare bloom at Reiman Gardens in Ames Beck was Kaczinski's campaign manager during her run for the Auditor's office, and also organized a monetary fundraiser for Supervisor Chair Heather Stancil. Stancil abstained from the vote. Supervisor Jessica Hobbs voted in favor of it, and Supervisor Diane Fitch voted against it, stating she was worried about transparency and the process by which Beck's hiring had been previously handled. The vote created tension during a public BOS meeting, with Kaczinski calling in on a public line and mentioning a potential lawsuit. You can watch a clip of what unfolded below. Kaczinski's court filing stated Fitch's vote against the approval of the resolution was on 'frivolous, trivial, minimal, arbitrary or capricious grounds.' The board denied the claims of wrongdoing in its court filing in response (below). 2025.04.28-Defs-Response-to-Petition-for-Writ-of-Certiorari-1 WHO 13 stopped by the Auditor's office on Monday to speak with Kaczinski about why she decided to dismiss the petition, but her office was closed. A sign on the door stated it was due to a meeting. Later in the morning, the office opened with several employees present. The employees stated Kaczinski was not expected to be in on Monday as she was out of the area for a meeting. WHO 13 left a voicemail and sent an email to Kaczinski, but has not yet heard back. When reached by phone, her attorney Philip Bubb of Fredrikson & Byron, P.A, had no comment. WHO 13 also reached out to the BOS for comment. Supervisor Fitch said she was advised by legal representation not to comment. Supervisors Hobbs and Stancil did not respond. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Questions remain over hiring tactics in Madison County government
MADISON COUNTY, Iowa – Madison County residents continue to raise concerns amid a tumultuous time in county leadership. 'This is not normal. All we want is to get back to normal,' said James Phillips. 'We just want your jobs to be boring again.' Phillips, who lives in Winterset, was one of several people who took advantage of the public comments portion of the Board of Supervisors meeting Tuesday night. He was speaking out about the county government's latest controversy, which involves Madison County Auditor Teri Kaczinski, who is challenging the Madison County Board of Supervisors' decision against hiring her former campaign manager, Leslie Beck. Jefferson wins national Main Street award WHO 13 broke the story Monday night. Kaczinski has taken legal action and is asking the Iowa Supreme Court to review the decision by the board. In the court petition, Kaczinski alleges supervisors acted illegally during a March 26 meeting by rejecting her request for additional staff. It had been the third attempt to employ Beck. That includes twice as an employee of the auditor's office and a third time as an employee of a controversial third-party consulting agency that Auditor Kaczinski hired in late January for $250 an hour. The filing states, in part: 'The board exceeded its authority and acted improperly and illegally when it denied the auditor's resolution to appoint Leslie Beck as a deputy auditor on frivolous, trivial, minimal, arbitrary or capricious grounds.' During Tuesday's BOS meeting, roughly 24 hours after the news broke, residents packed the meeting room over capacity. 'I would like to say what everybody in this room is thinking, we are embarrassed by the behavior of our so-called supervisors,' said Susan M. 'It is not acceptable to anybody that we are having underhanded, secretive hires.' Extra deputies were also on hand Tuesday night after the previous board meeting two weeks ago nearly got out of hand. Tensions rose during the March 26 meeting after the vote surrounding Beck. Supervisor Chair Heather Stancil, who had to abstain from the vote due to a conflict of interest, was upset by the outcome and questioned Supervisor Diane Fitch, who had voted against the hiring. Members of the public, who were angered by Supervisor Stancil's response, began to chime in, which prompted the Sheriff to get involved to keep the meeting in order. Following her vote, Supervisor Fitch stated that she had been worried about transparency and the process in which Beck's hiring had been handled previously by the auditor's office. It is a concern that was echoed by multiple residents. Restricting student cellphone use sent to Gov. Kim Reynolds' desk to be signed into law 'I think it's very important that there has been this attention on hiring practices in Madison County and that practices are followed in a legal and equitable manner,' said Carol Freeman, of Saint Charles. 'I'm also deeply concerned about the lawsuit that was recently filed by the auditor's office, and I encourage the supervisors to do everything they can in addressing that matter.' On Tuesday, the board was tasked with approving a different hire within the auditor's office. The hiring of Lawra Mathes as a full-time First Deputy Auditor with a $60,318 annual salary was ultimately approved. Supervisor Stancil and Supervisor Jessica Hobbs voted in favor of the move. Supervisor Fitch was the lone vote against it, stating she again had concerns over the hiring process. While the First Deputy Auditor position was posted publicly, it was unclear how many candidates were interviewed for the job. It was confirmed during the meeting that Mathes started the job before being officially approved by the board and before proper background check procedures were followed. Auditor Kaczinski, who has not physically attended several pertinent meetings in recent weeks, joined by phone Tuesday night, where she admitted to and apologized for the lack of procedure. Kaczinski stated that she had been eager to get Mathes started and had been caught up in the excitement and forgot to get the proper background check completed. Her comments prompted a response of scoffs and laughter from some of the residents in attendance. WHO 13 reached out to Auditor Kaczinski and all three supervisors for comment after the filing was obtained on Monday. Supervisor Fitch said she was advised by legal counsel not to comment. Auditor Kaczinski and Supervisors Stancil and Hobbs have not responded. These events are just the latest controversy surrounding the Madison County government in recent months, following the arrest of the Treasurer, reports of alleged money mishandling, major budget cuts and contentious BOS meetings. Questions remain over hiring tactics in Madison County government Jefferson wins national Main Street award Restricting student cellphone use sent to Gov. Kim Reynolds' desk to be signed into law Iowa House Republicans send school funding bill to Gov. Reynolds amid House Democrats' warning of cuts WHO 13 Farm Report: Tuesday, April 8th Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Madison County Auditor takes legal action against Board of Supervisors
MADISON COUNTY, Iowa – New court filings show the Madison County Auditor has taken legal action to counter a recent decision made by the Madison County Board of Supervisors. Online records show a petition for a 'writ of certiorari' was filed in District Court on April 3 by Auditor Teri Kaczinski. The formal request is asking the Iowa Supreme Court to reviewthe board's March 26 decision not to approve the hiring of Leslie Beck as a part-time Second Deputy within the Auditor's office for $27 an hour. Beck has been a controversial figure for months following multiple efforts by Kaczinski to employ her using county funds. That includes twice as an employee of the Auditor's office and a third time as an employee of a third-party consulting agency that was hired by Auditor Kaczinski in late January for $250 an hour. Beck was Kaczinski's campaign manager during her run for the Auditor's office, and also recently organized a monetary fundraiser for Supervisor Chair Heather Stancil, who abstained from the vote at the center of the court filing. The agenda resolution to approve the hiring of Beck ended in a tie with Supervisor Jessica Hobbs voting in favor and Supervisor Diane Fitch voting against it. 2025.04.03-ON-KaczinskiDownload Iowa Senate approves 2% increase in school funding, other funding provisions The court petition claims, in part, that the Board cannot reject an appointee 'on frivolous, trivial, minimal, arbitrary or capricious grounds,' and goes on to state that the 'vote against approval of the resolution was on frivolous, trivial, minimal, arbitrary or capricious grounds.' You can read the petition in its entirety above. After voicing her opposition during the meeting, Supervisor Fitch explained she was worried about transparency and the process in which Beck's hiring situation had been handled previously. WHO 13 reached out to Auditor Kaczinski and all three supervisors for comment after the filing was obtained, but has not heard back. A BOS meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday. This is just the latest sign of discord within the county government in recent months, following the arrest of the Madison County Treasurer, reports of alleged money mishandling, major budget cuts and contentious BOS meetings. Iowa News: Iowa Senate approves 2% increase in school funding, other funding provisions Madison County Auditor takes legal action against Board of Supervisors Cooper DeJean, teammates to compete in charity softball game at Principal Park WHO 13 Farm Report: Monday, April 7th Scholastic Spotlight: Atomic Narwhals and a Coca-Cola Scholar Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Madison County Supervisors argue with each other, citizens, during contentious meeting
WINTERSET, Iowa – A Madison County Board of Supervisors meeting grew contentious on Tuesday morning after supervisors disagreed on an agenda resolution. 'Let's move on,' said Sheriff Jason Barnes to the board. 'Let's move on right now.' Sheriff Barnes was standing in the back of a packed meeting room behind dozens of residents who showed up to attend. The room, located on the lower floor of the Madison County Annex, had reached its maximum occupancy of 49 people and had only standing room available. The meeting started with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance but began to grow contentious during public comments when the work Auditor Teri Kaczinski has been doing was questioned. 'She's not even there. She leaves every day at 2:30 to pick up her kids,' said Mike Fletcher as he addressed Supervisor Heather Stancil, the board's Chairman. His comments drew some pushback. 'Mike, if you have an issue with the auditor, please address it with the auditor,' she responded. Work requirements for Medicaid, public assistance programs passes through Iowa Senate Fletcher is a City Council member for the City of Winterset. However, he stated during his public comments that he was making the remarks as a private citizen, not as an elected official. 'Mike, you are a city councilman. You do not know what goes on in county business,' Supervisor Stancil said. 'I suggest if you want to do county business, run for Supervisor.' The back and forth continued until a resident who had joined the meeting by phone interrupted to complain about the unorthodox nature of the public comment session. Public speakers are allotted three minutes to address the board. Supervisor Stancil then provided Fletcher an extra minute to speak since she had engaged him. However, the major source of discord came a short time later after a vote to approve the hiring of a new, part-time Second Deputy for Auditor Kaczinski's office. The woman at the center of it, Leslie Beck, is Auditor Kaczinski's former campaign manager. Beck also recently created a 'GiveSendGo' fundraiser for Supervisor Stancil and her husband to help cover his medical bills after a lengthy hospital stay. According to the crowdsourcing fundraiser, Supervisor Stancil's husband has been battling a life-threatening condition since last year. In addition, there have been multiple efforts over the past several months to employ Beck, including twice as an employee of Auditor Kaczinski's office and a third time as an employee of a third-party consulting agency hired by Auditor Kaczinski in late January, called the RMG (Robert Morris Group). RMG charged the county $250 an hour for 'consulting services,' according to documents obtained by WHO 13. Each previous attempt to hire Beck was met with public scrutiny. Some Madison County residents feel Beck's potential hiring would be a conflict of interest. Meanwhile, supporters of the move point out that the job opening was posted and opened to public applicants recently. During the meeting, Supervisor Stancil said that Auditor Kaczinski could not disclose how many people were interviewed for the position. Iowa bill prohibiting diversity, equity and inclusion advanced by Senate Republican majority Supervisor Stancil recused herself from the vote on Beck's employment due to the financial fundraiser. Supervisor Diane Fitch and Supervisor Jessica Hobbs were left without anyone to be the tie-breaker. Supervisor Fitch voted 'Nay,' and cited a lack of transparency as one of her reasons. Supervisor Hobbs voted 'Yay' and pointed out that Beck cannot be discriminated against due to political affiliation. Madison County Attorney Stephen Swanson told WHO 13 that a conflict of interest connected to the hiring of Beck at the Auditor's office was not a concern, and added that he had helped Beck coordinate with the Ethics Board before she created the online fundraiser. The tie vote meant the resolution did not pass and Beck's hire was not approved. Supervisor Stancil immediately voiced her agitation. 'I am very disappointed,' she said. Supervisor Stancil lamented about not being able to vote due to her personal information coming to light regarding the fundraiser. Her angst was directed at Supervisor Fitch. Supervisor Stancil attempted to pressure Supervisor Fitch into discussing the reason behind her vote. 'Diane, the only time I have to talk to you about this stuff is now in a meeting. Are you saying you don't want to talk to me about it?' said Supervisor Stancil. 'My concern is because every other time an election official has come before us, we've approved them. Every single one.' Her comments continued, much to the chagrin of some people in the public gallery. 'For the first time in four years I've been here, you vote against someone and you vote against her. I don't understand that,' she continued. 'It seems to me that you are intentionally sabotaging this particular political office because your preferred political candidate did not win.' Iowa law banning school library books that depict sex acts on hold again after a new federal ruling That statement prompted an outcry from some in attendance. 'You are so out of order!' yelled one woman. 'I'm done. Just stop!' eventually replied Supervisor Fitch to Heather Stancil. Members of the public began to stand up in their seats. Several of them yelled toward the board. That is when Supervisor Stancil called on the Sheriff to step in and he directed the board to move on to the next item on their agenda immediately. The meeting then continued without incident. The Madison County government has been struggling to find peace after the January arrest of its Treasurer, Amanda DeVos, 37, for fraud and other charges. That development uncovered months of alleged money mismanagement and began to stir up distrust amongst residents. WHO 13 has been reporting on the county's public meetings for several months, which have often included scathing public comments aimed at elected leaders. Supervisor Hobbs spoke to WHO 13's Katie Kaplan after the meeting. She claims much of the tension is due to public misinformation. 'This meeting was not in order. And I'm hoping that we can make some changes in the future so we can have better decorum and more professional conduct,' she said. 'That is my hope. And all that I can do to control that is to continue to try to work hard to serve the citizens as I've committed to doing and continue to try to bring the facts to light and reality somewhat to counter some of the lies and misinformation that are being shared.' Hobbs said the misinformation pertains to several topics. Supervisor Stancil declined to be interviewed with WHO 13 after the meeting, accusing the station of 'misquoting' her in a previous interview following a board meeting in early February when she stated on camera that she did not know about any issues regarding the Treasurer's office. She claimed on Tuesday that she meant 'criminal' issues. WHO 13 attempted to reach Auditor Kaczinski for comment. She had already left her office for the day when the reporter stopped by at noon on Tuesday, according to County Attorney Swanson. A phone call later in the day was not immediately returned. Final Grandstand act for 2025 Iowa State Fair announced Madison County Supervisors argue with each other, citizens, during contentious meeting McCollum talks championships, John Sears reports New Iowa Head Coach McCollum already has ties with new fans Work requirements for Medicaid, public assistance programs passes through Iowa Senate Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
