Two local city leaders are responding to the controversy in Green Bay regarding microphones in City Hall.
A City Alderman in Green Bay recently called out Mayor Eric Genrich for recording private conversations within the walls of the city building.
The City claims that microphones are not only legal but a widely used tactic for municipalities.
We reached out to Manitowoc Mayor Justin Nickels, who said that is not a practice used in the Clipper City.
“I don’t think we have audio recording. I’m not aware at least,” he told Seehafer News. “I know we have cameras all around city facilities, park restrooms, and things like that. I know for sure [they] don’t record audio in City Hall.”
Two Rivers City Manager Greg Buckley had a similar statement, noting that they do have cameras inside City Hall and pointing out to the parking lot, but said, “Those only have video capabilities. We have no intention of implementing audio.”
Buckley also said that he can respect that there may be times and places that audio would be useful, but, “Boy if you are, it would make a whole lot of sense to forewarn the general public, your employees, all of your elected officials, everybody, that audio recording may be taking place in those areas.”
The Manitowoc County Director of the Department of Public Works Gerry Neuser tells us that there is both video and audio recording taking place in the Courthouse, specifically in all courtrooms, in B-15, the B-15 waiting rooms, the basement hall, as well as the Child Support and Clerk of Courts lobbies.
That being said, there are signs posted in these areas that state “WARNING – Video and Audio Surveillance in Progress”.
Neuser also noted that “The rotunda cameras and exterior cameras are video-only cameras.”
State Senator Andre Jacque among others has called for legal input on if the practice in Green Bay is indeed on the up and up.
