The Waukesha County board unanimously voted to approve Thomas Farley as interim Waukesha County Executive on July 28.
Farley takes the place of Paul Farrow who died July 7, after nearly a two-year battle with a rare cancer.
Waukesha County Chairman Jim Heinrich in a released statement from the county said his focus in his nomination of Farley was for someone who brings “stability” into the position.
“I am looking for a leader who brings a steady, experienced hand to our operations, is a dedicated steward of taxpayer dollars, and is committed to ensuring our ongoing initiatives continue to move forward smoothly until the people have their say in the special election,” he said.
Here’s what we know about the appointment, according to the release:
What is Thomas Farley’s county background for the Waukesha County Executive interim position?
Farley’s background includes a 31-year career with Waukesha County, including 25 of those years as corporation counsel, the county’s lead attorney. Over these decades, he was an adviser during these three of the county’s structural transitions: the transition to the County Executive form of government, the 2005 interim transition following the resignation of Dan Finley, who was Waukesha County Executive from 1991-2005; and the 2015 leadership transfer from Dan Vrakas to Paul Farrow.
While Farley retired in 2016, he currently serves on the county’s ethics board.
“He requires no learning curve, carries no future political ambitions for this seat, and will hit the ground running on day one to protect our current initiatives and support our talented staff,” Heinrich said.
Former County Executive Dan Vrakus added Farley’s experience is “unmatched.”
“He has worked for all three County Executives as well as the County Board and has the maturity and impartiality that we need in this difficult moment of transition,” Vrakus said.
What is Farley’s educational background?
Farley is a Marquette University graduate and a graduate of Marquette University Law School.
What are Farley’s goals for the position?
Farley said his main goal is to “provide steady administrative leadership, maintain strict fiscal oversight, and ensure our county departments are fully supported.”
“This is a caretaker role focused entirely on execution, stability, and keeping the county’s long term strategic plans firmly on track until a permanent successor is named by the voters,” Farley said.
How long will Farley serve in this role?
Farley will serve in this role until the countywide special election is held for county executive. This election will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 15.
Cathy Kozlowicz can be reached at 262-361-9132 or cathy.kozlowicz@jrn.com
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Thomas Farley named interim Waukesha County Executive
Reporting by Cathy Kozlowicz, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
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By Cathy Kozlowicz, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel | USA TODAY Network
