Group Starts Effort To Recall Waukesha Alderman Aaron Perry

WAUKESHA, WI— A group called Committee to Recall Aaron Perry has spearheaded a recall campaign against a Waukesha Alderman. On its website, the group accuses Perry of living outside of District 12.

"The final straw that pushed dissatisfied patriots to step in and form the Committee to Recall Aaron Perry, was his most recent domestic violence arrest. We of course believe in due process and he has the presumption of innocence of the domestic violence charges until proven guilty.

What came to light as we learned of his domestic violence arrest was that Aaron Perry has been "living," in the common everyday understanding of that term, outside of District 12. Based on previous law enforcement and emergency calls, admission by Aaron, photographic evidence, he is living and spending most of his non-working time in District 14, Ward 36.

His residency is not being made in good faith, and instead with his “fingers crossed behind his back.” We deserve better.

The petition seeks a special election or the addition of Perry's seat to the spring 2021 elections. The petition needs at least 712 signatures by Feb. 2.

Patch reached out to Perry who said, "I have lived in District 12 since 2009. No gap at all. It's simply an arrangement to secure my son's safety. There accusations otherwise have been false the entire time. The applicants were aware before filing but chose to lie on the paperwork" Perry said.

The group said on its website that both public and formal appeals were made to ask Perry to resign.

"Our appeals, were two fold, first, we believe for his own history he can "right his ship" and move on with his life outside of public life and light, and two, to save the City of Waukesha the cost and stain of recalling him. His private and personal life, unfortunately has been made public as a consequence of his choices and actions," the website said.

Perry told Patch via text, "I was elected to serve our community until 2022. I earned the trust of voters and respect their decision. Anything preliminary is either unfounded, completely false or goes against our constitution. I which shall uphold."

The group will hold a drive-thru signature event from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday at two locations — 1235 Woodview Dr. and 1151 River Place Blvd. People are encouraged to bring non-perishable food item (Food Pantry of Waukesha County has requested boxes of cereal) or unwrapped toys which will be donated to a local charity.

Domestic Abuse Charges

Perry was charged in Waukesha County Circuit Court in early November with one felony charge and three misdemeanor charges related to a domestic abuse incident.

Perry, 40, was charged with one count of misdemeanor battery, domestic abuse, one count of criminal damage to property, domestic abuse, one count of disorderly conduct, domestic abuse, and one count of felony intimidation of a victim, domestic abuse, according to online court records.

Perry told Patch via text, "I'm innocent of all charges. Beyond that, per a court order and advice of my representation, I am not allowed to comment further."

According to the criminal complaint, the incident occurred Nov. 9 at Perry's apartment. Perry was "not acting like himself" and suspected of being under the influence, according to the complaint.
Perry is accused of grabbing the victim by her arms and shoulders and forcefully preventing her from leaving his apartment, the complaint says. He also grabbed the victim's phone as she was calling 911 and threw it on the ground, cracking the screen, the complaint says.

Perry said he couldn't be arrested and any allegation against him would not stand, according to the complaint. He also made threatening statements about his authority and position with the City of Waukesha, the complaint says.

The Waukesha Police Department turned over the case to the Waukesha County Sheriff's Department due to Perry's status as an elected city official.

The complaint said deputies later arrived at Perry's door to arrest him. Perry, who appeared intoxicated, told them, "I just want you to know this is not a good decision. This is going to haunt you," according to the complaint. He later told deputies he works in government and knows this incident is a waste of officers' time and resources, the complaint said.

A $2,500 signature bond was set for Perry. According to online court documents, Perry is to have no contact nor come within 1,500 feet of the victim listed in the criminal complaint and must comply with GPS monitoring. He must also have absolute sobriety and may not possess or consume any alcohol.

Perry lost the Nov. 3 election for Wisconsin Assembly District 97 against Rep. Scott Allen.