Waukesha Mayor Requests Ald. Perry Be Removed From Committees

WAUKESHA, WI— Waukesha Mayor Shawn Reilly has requested Alderman Aaron Perry be removed from his committee assignments. In a memo to the Common Council, Reilly said he doesn't "believe he is fulfilling his duties as an alderman."

The Common Council will meet at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

In the memo, the mayor cites Perry missing numerous Common Council and committee meetings and said Perry has left meetings early and been tardy to meetings.

"He also turns his camera off during meetings and no one can know whether he is or is not listening and/or participating while off-camera," Reilly's memo said.

Reilly also expressed concern about Perry's statements to the police that as an alderman he should deserve special treatment.

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.

A bench warrant was issued for Perry in connection to a separate domestic violence case in Waukesha County Court on Wednesday, according to online court documents.

Perry failed to appear at a firearm surrender hearing twice, according to online court records. Court records said he failed to file a "Statement of Possession of Firearms."

"Finally, his demeanor and attentiveness during meetings have been unusual and perplexing," Reilly's memo said.

Reilly requested the following changes:

• Request approval to have Ald. Daniel Manion become the Chair of HR Committee in place of Ald. Jack Wells.
• Request approval to have Ald. Joe Pieper be appointed to the Redevelopment Authority in place of Ald. Perry.
• Request approval to have Ald. Elizabeth Moltzan be appointed to the Finance Committee in place of Ald. Perry.

Normally, changes in appointments are due to requests made by alderpersons.

For example, Ald. Jack Wells requested that he be removed as Chair of the HR Committee due to the recent birth of his daughter, according to city documents.

Reilly's memo said he left a voice mail for Perry on Thursday advising him that he was doing this and indicated that he should call if he wishes to discuss.

"As of the Friday noon, I have not heard back from Alderman Perry," Reilly's memo said.

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

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

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. These accusations otherwise have been false the entire time. The applicants were aware before filing but chose to lie on the paperwork" Perry said.