Proposal to name part of Washington County highway after Charlie Kirk to be voted on in April
WASHINGTON COUNTY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A portion of highway in Washington County could be renamed "Charlie Kirk Way” and it’s proving to be controversial with elected leaders and people who live in the area.
On Wednesday, March the Washington County Executive Committee unanimously voted to send the proposal to the full board for a vote on April 21.
The original resolution set in front of the board proposed spending $50,000 to add “Charlie Kirk Way” as the road name overlay to a portion of County Truck Highway K (CTH K) in the Towns of Addison, Hartford, Polk and West Bend. The document says a General Fund Transfer was needed to fund the cost of the signs
While some Washington County leaders have expressed support for the resolution, some people who live in the area had concerns about the amount of money allocated for the signage and suggested a local be honored instead.
“There are people that he said things that offended them, and some of those people are constituents,” said Lewis Lundberg, a Hartford resident. “If we are going to honor anyone, I think it should be a local situation.”
Over 100 people filled the room where the Washington County Executive Committee met. Board members unanimously voted to send the proposal to the full board to vote so more members could voice their opinions on the matter. The board also approved an amendment that would fund the signs with donation dollars instead of the General Fund Transfer.
"I think that was a good move by the board,” County Executive Josh Schoemann said. “There’s a cost putting signs up, it is what it is. I think having something named after Charlie is really important.”
“We’re going to do our homework, we’re going to think about it, and make a decision,” County Board Chair Jeff Schleif. “I’m interested to see if there are any opinions for it, because we haven’t heard any of those.”
Kirk, 31, was shot and killed on September 10 during a campus event in Utah. The conservative activist visited Wisconsin during past campaign seasons.
The full board is expected to meet and vote on this proposal on April 21.
