Questions and Answers Regarding Ethics and Integrity
Jeff Ings * Grand Chute Supervisor #2
Dear Fellow Grand Chute Residents,
In our current environment of political turmoil and political attacks, it has come to my attention that misinformation is being conveyed about my integrity and that of fellow Town Board members Jason Van Eperen and Ron Wolff. I am happy to respond to any concerns that have been raised.
If you have questions about my integrity, or other questions about our Town government, I would like to invite you to attend an upcoming ‘Question and Answer’ session. Please let me know about your questions and concerns.
Below I have attempted to provide answers to some of the rumors I have heard.
Question and Answer Session Opportunities
Saturday, March 16, 2024 10:00 AM – 12:00 noon
Saturday, March 23, 2024 10:00 AM – 12:00 noon
Location: Freedom Project Academy 750 N. Hickory Farm Lane
Hickory Farm Lane is one block west of Lynndale Avenue. Turn south from Wisconsin Avenue on to Hickory Farm Lane.
If you are unable to attend either of these ‘Question and Answer’ sessions, please send your questions to my email address at: [email protected]. I will be happy to respond.
A Sampling of Known Misinformation
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Rumor: The Grand Chute Board is being investigated by the Brown County District Attorney.
Reality: If an active investigation existed, it would not be public knowledge, so how does someone supposedly know about a possible investigation unless that person filed it?
Additional Questions to Consider: If someone filed a complaint that is active, why is that person talking about it to the public? If someone filed a complaint, was that person’s motive merely to spread negative election information?
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Rumor: Jeff Ings acted with self-interest by voting on the Gillett Street road project.
Reality: The Board’s action to reclaim and repave Gillett Street saved Grand Chute taxpayers $1.1 million! The road surface will last 25-30 years. This was a valid decision and a great value for Grand Chute taxpayers. Prior to participating in the vote, I sought the legal opinion of multiple attorneys who all saw no problem.
Proof. For more information visit: IngsForGoodGovernment.com/Gillett Controversey
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Rumor: That certain Board members made a “back-room deal” with a developer.
Reality: It has been learned that a developer removed a candidate sign from his property because the candidate who placed it there failed to ask for permission before doing so. It was also learned that the sign was not compliant with our Grand Chute zoning code or with Wisconsin election laws. The candidate apparently became upset and started a rumor about a “back-room” deal.
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Rumor: Jeff Ings took illegal campaign contributions.
Reality: If there would have been a violation of Wisconsin statutes, a legal complaint would have been filed.
Reality: As a first-time candidate in 2020, I was not familiar with the fact that contributions from corporations, or contributions of more than $500, were not allowable in local elections. I had accepted contributions from my employer, Lakeshore Cleaners, Inc. When I discovered the regulation about a month later, I contacted the Wisconsin Elections Commission to inform them of the problem. I was told that because I had caught and reported the error in a timely manner, that I was able to return the non-qualifying contributions. I was also directed to properly document all of the involved transactions, which I did.
My resulting contribution total for the 2020 campaign were $10,989.32. Expenditures were $10,922.86. $9,514.32 of my contributions were self-funded. Contributions received from others totaled $1,475.
Proof. For more information visit: IngsForGoodGovernment.com/Political Turmoil/Campaign Finance.
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Please watch for my election mailer coming soon. Thanks!
Paid for by Ings For Good Government