Rock County Board approves appointment
JANESVILLE — The nameplate for the newest Rock County Board supervisor was ready and waiting at his desk, but Wayne Gustina’s appointment was far from a done deal.
The county board confirmed Gustina, 1313 11th St., Beloit, by one vote Thursday night, after supervisors questioned his experience and the process used for the selection.
Gustina fills the position held by Marshall Bown, who recently resigned after he and his wife moved outside of Beloit’s District 12.
County Board Chair Russ Podzilni explained he chose a selection committee of two supervisors who didn’t know either candidate. Supervisors Sandra Kraft and Alan Sweeney joined Podzilni conducting interviews and administering tests to candidates Gustina and Frank Marsden.
Podzilni says the two candidates performed equally well on written tests and oral interviews. So equally well that the best way to choose a nominee for the District 12 seat was secret ballot among committee members. They chose Gustina.
Some supervisors at Thursday’s meeting said that since Beloit voters chose Marsden in two previous county board elections, the board should respect the constituents’ wishes and appoint Marsden. They also said they’ve received calls from Beloit residents upset about the decision.
Gustina was confirmed on a 14-13 vote, with Supervisor David Diestler absent.
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Jun 12, 2009 at 5:30 p.m.
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It sounds like there were two good choices. If only that were always the case! Given the factors on the table, I think I would lean toward the new blood on general principles, though.
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