Mayor Mason Blocks Committee Changes in Racine, Council to Consider Override

RACINE, Wis. (WRJN) – The committee changes in Racine have been vetoed.  Mayor Cory Mason has said no to an effort aimed at shifting some powers from the city’s executive branch to its legislative branch.  An override vote is now pending. 

The changes would allow the council president to appoint committee members. Currently, the mayor has that role.  Another difference would be that the committee members would elect their own chairs.

Mason, in a statement, said he’s the only city-wide elected official, which puts him in a position to make the best choices.  Those in opposition say the current system allows the mayor to favor allies.

Alders Melissa Kaprelian and Sandy Weidner, who sponsored the changes, criticized the veto as a power grab. 

The council will vote on a possible override next week (3/18). An override would require a two-thirds majority.