Mayor Mason: Racine City Council Dispute ‘More Drama Than Needed’

RACINE, Wis. (WRJN) – Racine Mayor Cory Mason addressed the recent City Council impasse during a radio interview this morning, telling his side of the dispute that has caused delays in conducting city business.

Six alders had been holding up proceedings due to a dispute over setting the council’s agenda. The boycott stemmed from a 2019 ordinance change that gave the mayor more control over the council’s agenda. The boycotting alders included Melissa Kaprelian, Sandy Weidner, Jeff Coe, Henry Perez, Renee Kelly, and Olivia Turquoise Davis. Last week, at an Executive Committee meeting, attempts to change the agenda-setting process were made, with those changes brought to the full council tomorrow night.

In a conversation on The Don Rosen Show, Mason explained his side, saying that for the past five years, the city has used a streamlined process where items go directly to committee before reaching the full council. Mason said the alders in opposition want to revert to a more drawn-out process.

“They want to go back to the other way where before it goes to a committee first, we have to refer it to the full council,” Mason said. “It adds an extra step and slows things four to six weeks every time.”

The mayor emphasized that the current process has efficiently handled over 6,000 items, with only a handful facing delays. He expressed concern that the dispute has held up important measures, including safe drinking water bonds.

“To put all that on hold, to jeopardize safe drinking water loans and other developments just seemed really a bit much,” Mason stated.

While acknowledging the council’s right to change the process, Mason characterized the situation as “a little more drama than we needed.” He did say that he remains optimistic that the council will move forward and continue to work together effectively.

The impasse appears to be nearing resolution, with votes on proposed changes scheduled for the next council meeting tomorrow night.

Listen to the full audio of the conversation below. (Starts at 7:48)