The Dodge County Sheriff’s Department Employees Union has voted to declare “no confidence” in Dodge County Sheriff Pat Ninmann. This, after Ninmann announced she would mount a write-in campaign to be elected sheriff in the November 4th election. AFSCME Local 1323-B represents sworn deputies, sergeants, detectives, civil process, transport and court officers. A union press release says the vote signals a call for new leadership. The press release cites “low morale as a result of Sheriff Ninmann’s inequitable and inadequate leadership,” and says Ninmann’s management style is “crude and biased, with a tendency towards the uneven and unfair administration of discipline.” The Union says the working environment is perceived by officers as hostile towards those who may not share the Sheriff’s opinions, and the vote stems from Sheriff Ninmann’s lack of experience as a law enforcement officer, describing her as “the worst Monday morning quarterback in the County.” Ninmann has responded in a press release saying, “… upon taking my oath, I promised the Citizens of Dodge County the best service we could possibly provide. Now, certain members have engaged in acts of defiance, simply because I expect them to perform a fair days work for a fair days pay. It is what I believe and more importantly what you as taxpayers expect. I have not, nor will I, be bullied into allowing anything less.” The Union also wants to assure county citizens that the officers remain committed to providing the same service and protection that has been provided for decades. In August, Ninmann ran against Sheriff’s Sergenat Dale Schmidt in the primary election and lost. She was appointed Sheriff in April 2013 by Governor Scott Walker after Sheriff Todd Nehls retired.
