Milwaukee County Ethics Board MemberMaria Monreal Cameron Resigns in Protest

The CEO of the Hispanic Chamber has quit the Milwaukee County Ethics Board.

I wonder how Peggy West is feeling right now?

Here is the text of Monreal-Cameron's letter:

April 7, 2006

Attorney John C. Carter, Chairman
Milwaukee County Ethics Board
c/o 8555 West Forest Home Avenue – Suite 103
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53228-3408

Dear John:

As you know, I was appointed to the Milwaukee County Board of Ethics in July of 1991. During almost 15 years of service I have attended 100% of the meetings called by the Ethics Board. Like you, I have devoted enormous amounts of time and energy to uphold its mission, goals and objectives i.e. enforcing the Milwaukee County Ethics Code. All this despite my exhausting and demanding work load as the President & CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin.

Under your astute leadership, the Ethics Board has devoted inordinate amounts of time to carry out our prescribed duties in the prolonged Holloway matter. The recent action of the Milwaukee County Finance Committee, declining to endorse the needed funding to proceed forward, has now tied our hands and in my opinion has adversely hindered the final resolution and closure of the Holloway matter before us. I view these actions as an insult, a slap in the face and to be most candid, these recent occurrences have left me more than disillusioned, angry and bitter. Isn’t it all about clean, ethical government?

Therefore, I tender my resignation as vice chair and member of the Milwaukee County Board of Ethics effective immediately.

I will miss the challenges my role offered as well as the many individuals who have shared time, energy and talent in their exemplary service as Ethics Board members during my 15 year tenure.

Sincerely,

Maria Monreal-Cameron

President & CEO

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin

Cc: County Executive Scott Walker

Susan Shields, Executive Director Milwaukee County Ethics Board

Dave Umhoefer, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors