Scott McDonell Takes Oath, Begins Service as Acting Dane County Executive
December 21, 2010
Joshua Wescott, Office of the County Executive (608) 267-8823 or cell (608) 669-5606
County Executive
McDonell Appoints Falk as Interim Executive, Pending County Board Action
Scott McDonell formally became Acting Dane County Executive today after taking his oath of office. McDonell will serve as Acting County Executive until the county board confirms his appointment of Kathleen Falk as Interim County Executive.
In one of his first acts, McDonell today appointed Falk to serve as Interim County Executive until the winner of the April 5th, 2011 election is sworn into office on April 19th. The county board is expected to consider McDonell’s appointment at its January 6th meeting.
“This process ensures the smoothest possible transition for the important work that comes with the day to day management of Dane County government,” McDonell said. “Certainties are needed during uncertain times and given the changes taking place at the state level it’s important for Dane County to have continuity in leadership.”
Falk and McDonell made a joint announcement on November 30th that Falk would resign effective at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 21st to ensure prospective candidates for County Executive would have about six weeks to take the necessary steps to be included on the spring electoral ballot and to avoid the need for a special election. McDonell announced he would serve as Acting County Executive and appoint Falk as Interim County Executive, pending confirmation by the county board at its January 6th meeting.
"The County Executive is a job I want, but it’s a job I want to earn,” McDonell said. “So I’m happy to put Kathleen Falk back in charge until the people choose a successor. In the meantime, it’s important to keep the helm in steady, experienced hands from now through the election."
McDonell has asked that County Board First Vice Chair John Hendrick assume the duties of Board Chair until the county board acts on the appointment of Falk. Pending county board approval, Falk will return as County Executive on January 7, 2011.
Nomination papers are due January 4th, 2011 at 5:00 p.m. for candidates interested in being on the spring ballot. The spring primary election will be February 15th, 2011 with the general election on April 5th, 2011.