Marshfield residents speak out against mayor’s removal

For the Hub City Times

MARSHFIELD – In their first meeting since the removal of former mayor Bob McManus, Marshfield aldermen heard from citizens who were not happy with that decision.

On March 30, the common council spent the first 20 minutes of the meeting listening to multiple residents who spoke out against the council's 8-2 vote, on March 22, to remove McManus from office over allegations he deleted text messages; this was the basis of a complaint filed against the former mMayor by Andy Keogh, longtime member of the city's fire & police commission.

Marshfield resident, Jim Hiller began his comments with applause for what he called one of the best dog-and-pony shows he's ever seen.

Hiller said:

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Hiller also said the council "demonstrated a clear, slanted attack against the mayor".

He added:

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Nick Bremmer called the McManus hearings "a mockery of local government.” Bremmer said it was clear to him and many others that the hearings' conclusion was decided before any testimony was given.

Bremmer stated:

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Bremmer also said it was clear to him that the priorities of council members are not to serve the Marshfield community, but rather to spend time and money on removing what they see as obstacles to their own self interests.

Lyle Lang said the hearings left him "incredibly disappointed" and in a state of disbelief. Lang also said it was clear to him that members of the common council and fire & police commission take themselves way too seriously and see themselves as "king makers".

Lang said:

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Council President Tom Witzel has assumed the role of acting mayor, to the point of performing limited required duties, such as running council meetings and signing official documents.

The council made no determination on how to move forward with filling the position of mayor. At the time of his removal from office, McManus had just over one year remaining on the two-year term; he was elected to in April 2020.