Dear Editor,
Your coverage of Stanley’s governance issues reveals a hiring scandal. The streets department head hired a close friend through an unethical interview process with only one other interviewer. The council initially rejected the hire, recognizing its flaws, yet the city administrator’s overbearing ego pushed it forward. Shockingly, the mayor, fully aware of the unethical process, cast the tiebreaking vote to approve it, undermining trust.
Wisconsin law demands fairness. Wis. Stat. § 66.0502 requires merit-based hiring, while § 19.59 prohibits using public office for personal gain. Wis. Stat. § 111.31–111.395 bans unfair employment practices, and § 62.11 grants council oversight. This hire violates these standards, favoring connections.
The administrator’s poor leadership extends beyond hiring. My husband, a water department employee, faced job threats due to her lack of administrative skills, reliance on baseless accusations, and failure to communicate effectively. Stanley’s workers deserve better than such mismanagement.
I urge the council to investigate this hire and enforce ethics policies. Readers, let’s demand accountability—attend council meetings, contact officials, and advocate for integrity. Stanley’s future depends on leadership that prioritizes ethics over ego and mismanagement.

Sincerely,
Tracey Hoel
Stanley, WI