Wausau Alderman Calls For John Doe Investigation Over City Reprimand

A Wausau alderman is calling for a John Doe investigation of the circumstances surrounding a city council reprimand, arguing that the controversy hurt his candidacy for mayor.

In November, Alderman Keene Winters swore at a city department head over alleged job performance issues. The employee filed a complaint, the city hired an outside attorney to investigate, and the Wausau City Council declared Winters’ conduct inappropriate.

Now, the council is hiring another outside attorney to investigate the investigation because proper procedures may not have been followed, violating Winters’ rights.

Winters said the controversy led to his close third place finish in the city’s mayoral primary.

“We live in a free society and the cornerstone of that is being able to criticize your government and criticize public officials without fear of reprisals,” he said. “And I’ve been put through the wringer for doing just that.”

Winters said he has already spent $25,000 in legal fees, and may sue the city.