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    After leading the Ozaukee County Board for nine years as chairman, a smiling Rob Brooks turned over the gavel to Lee Schlenvogt Wednesday, Feb. 6.

    Schlenvogt, who represents the Town of Port Washington and was the second vice chairman of the board, was the only nominee for the influential post. He was elected by unanimous ballot.

    There was a five-minute recess while the two men exchanged seats and the board’s voting system was changed.

    “They also asked me to move my car out of the chairman’s spot. They probably have somebody towing it now,” quipped Brooks, who will serve out his term as the  District 5 supervisor.

    In announcing his decision to resign as chairman in January, Brooks, who lives in Saukville and owns a real estate company and several taverns, said he needs to focus on his businesses.

    Kathlyn Geracie of Cedarburg will remain first vice chairman. Dan Becker of Port Washington was elected second vice chairman by unanimous ballot with no other nominations.

    “We need to continue working together to achieve our common goals,” Schlenvogt said. “We’ve been able to accomplish a lot because we have such a non-confrontational board.”

    Schlenvogt served on the Port Washington Town Board for 21 years and was town chairman for 16 years.

    Among the challenges that lie ahead are the future of the aging Lasata Care Center nursing home, creating a central dispatching system and funding capital improvements.

    Brooks is leaving a smaller and more streamlined County Board than the contentious one he took over in 2004. During his tenure, he oversaw the downsizing of the board, construction of Lasata Crossings assisted-living facility, renovations to the county fairgrounds and the purchase of land to supply gravel for the county’s asphalt plant.

A CHANGE IN LEADERSHIP occurred Wednesday when Lee Schlenvogt (left) was elected chairman of the Ozaukee County Board, succeeding Rob Brooks (right), who led the board for nine years.                                     Photo by Sam Arendt

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