Ray Misner, Alderperson for the 13th District

Anthony Nudo, Alderperson for the 11th District

A reception was held after the three city meetings last night for Alderpersons Ray Misner and Anthony Nudo, who will not be continuing on the committees any longer due to the fact that they lost their seats in their respective districts in the election last week.  Misner is the chairman of the Licensing & Permit Committee, a member of the Storm Water Utility, the Technology, and Public Works Committees, and also a member of the Board of Water Commissioners.  Nudo is the chairman of the Storm Water Utility Committee, vice chairman of the Board of Water Commissioners, and a member of the Licensing & Permit and Public Works Committees.

Both were presented with placques, bricks, and goodie bags.  A reception with food and drinks was served after the conclusion of the special Board of Water Commissioners meeting.

Misner said:  “This committee, along with the Public Works Committee, are the best committees I’ve served on while on the Common Council.  When I first came on, I wanted to be a member of the Public Safety & Welfare Committee, but a wise man directed me elsewhere.  I thought I would be bored, but I was wrong.  It’s been exciting, as weird as that sounds.  Touring the water plant was a highlight.  The dedication and leadership of these people is often underused in this building.  The chairman is a good friend, and a good chairman.  I really praise and appreciate his hard work.  It’s all made Kenosha a better city.  It’s been fun, entertaining, educational, and I’ve made many friends.  And, don’t be a stranger.  Give me a call, drop me an e-mail, and we can have lunch sometime.  I won’t be a stranger.”

Alderperson Jan Michalski mentioned listening to Misner’s radio show which will be starting on WLIP on Saturday, April 21st.

Chairman G. John Ruffolo thanked both Misner and Nudo, who were both hardworking aldermen.  “They cared about the city, and they cared about the citizens.  Sometimes they came up with some great ideas, and sometimes they came up with some wild ideas.  One thing I found is that I’ve developed friendships for life.  I have been honored to serve with them, as friends.  And, thank you to their families, who’ve supported them.  Sometimes they’ve had to put their families second when they shouldn’t have.”

Nudo also stated that he’s been honored to serve on these committees.  “I also wanted to be on a different committee.  I wanted to be on the Finance Committee, and I was wisely directed to the Public Works, the Water, and the Storm Water Utility Committees.  I’m glad.  I learned about metrology these last four years.  I really learned a lot.  The Storm Water Utility and Public Works are the two best departments of the city by far.  They go above and beyond.  The people are hardworking and dedicated.  Also, don’t be a stranger.”

Former chairman Dan Holland, former mayor John Antaramian, former director of city development Ray Forgianni, and former alderperson Ron Frederick were all in attendance.

Ed St. Peter, general manager of the Kenosha Water Utility, said a few words also.  “The staff was not required to be here.  But, I appreciate all of you and your support.  The two of you are leaving.  I’ve always tried to run the department like a business.  You two have been very supportive.  We all appreciate that.  We always worked together to solve problems.  I wanted to bring you some sludge from the centrifuge, in a baggie, of course.  We will be finishing the audit soon.  Because of Centrisys, we’re saving half a million dollars a year.  And, that will go on forever.  You’ve been supporters behind that.  You helped approve that.”

Holland said:  “Your talk of being on different committees, all are important.  But, the Public Works, Storm Water Utility, and Water Committees affect every citizen, every day, 24/7, every year.  Others are valuable, but they don’t have near the impact that these committees do.  Citizens lose sight of that.  They need to understand that.  Without the continuation of services, where would we be?  The staff does an excellent job.  Kenosha wouldn’t be the great city it is without them.  Thank you from one citizen.”

Misner said that it was an honor that he and the former mayor came back today to join them.