One Wisconsin Now

The Racine Journal Times is asking "Did Mac's bumpers break the law?"  It is referring to recent news that Racine County Executive William McReynolds, while County Sheriff, was an owner of a company that sold products to the Sheriff's Department.  McReynolds has tried to say that he had nothing to do with his department buying products from his private company.  Apparently we are to believe that it just happened by accident.  Sure, and I have a bridge to sell you. 

The Racine Journal Times is asking "Did Mac's bumpers break the law?"  It is referring to recent news that Racine County Executive William McReynolds, while County Sheriff, was an owner of a company that sold products to the Sheriff's Department.  McReynolds has tried to say that he had nothing to do with his department buying products from his private company.  Apparently we are to believe that it just happened by accident.  Sure, and I have a bridge to sell you. 

On Saturday I listed three questions that should be asked of McReynolds regarding this latest potential scandal.  The first question that I asked was "Did McReynold's Department follow the county's rules and take competitive bids for these purchases?"  Based on today's RJT story, this question has been answered.  There were no competitive bids in this process.  That's right, Mac's company was given a "no bid contract" to provide the "push bumpers" to the department of which he was the head.  My second question is a mute point since there was no competitive bid in this process.  So that just leaves one more question, "Was McReynolds using Racine County property or accounts to do his personal business for Force Engineering or any of his other past or current businesses?"  Hopefully someone will seek an answer to this important question.

Today's RJT story also cites the State Ethics Board's legal counsel, Jonathan Becker regarding Mac's no-bid contract to himself.  Becker explained that violation of the statute at play here would more likely be considered a civil matter that could lead to a fine. 

The Journal Times says that it would be up to the Racine County District Attorney to review the situation, at least initially.  But to do this the DA would have to receive a "verified complaint" from a citizen laying out the facts in the case.  If the DA did not act on the citizen complaint within 20 days, the citizen could then appeal to the state attorney general. 

Hopefully some engaged citizen in Racine County will file such a complaint and hold William McReynolds accountable for this possible conflict of interest.  The people of the area deserve to know if they are being represented by someone with questionable judgment and character.