Supervisor Meleesa Johnson

11/04/2021

Thank you to my constituents & county staff for the well-wishes! I am recovering at home. Progress is slow, but moving forward!

10/11/2021

For thousands of years several indigenous groups lived on the land we now call Portage County. Join me, as chair of the County's Diversity Affairs and Inclusion Committee, in celebrating and remembering this heritage.

Tomorrow is , and the NAC is celebrating! Students, come to the NAC from 12-3 for our celebration potluck!

We also encourage you to wear any indigenous clothing or beadwork you own!

09/24/2021

In 1969 I was a student at Ben Franklin Junior High. My history class, Russian history, was taught by this man. Mr. Anday...Anton...was the first positive male role model I had. He mentored me through to a state championship Forensics title for an oration of the poems of Dr. Zhivago. He made history come alive and taught me that the way to the future is through our past. He made a strikingly wonderful impression on my 13-year old brain and I am ever so grateful for that. One of the greatest honors of my adult life was serving with him on County Board. His presence and wise, measured input at County Board will be missed. My sincere sympathy to his family and all who loved him.

Anton E. Anday Plover - Anton E. Anday Anton Anday, born June 4, 1944 in Pilis, Hungary to Antal and Margit (Mohl) Anday, passed away on September...

07/27/2021

Christopher Benny is a member of Portage County Board's Diversity Affairs and Inclusion Committee. Congrats to Chris for this honor and thank you to him for his leadership. It is an honor to serve with him.

Christopher was nominated as a hidden hero in Portage County because he stood up for what he believed in; diversity, inclusion, and equity. His leadership roles at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens ...

07/23/2021

As chair of the Diversity Affairs and Inclusion Committee, I have purposely withheld my opinion on the topic of the resolution, submitted by a county board supervisor, entitled "RESOLUTION TO COMBAT RACISM AND SEXISM IN PORTAGE COUNTY." I have withheld my opinion to allow the committee members to do their work without my input. The role of the chair is set the agenda and to manage the meeting, not articulate their opinion in order to sway a vote.

While the title sounds inviting, the outcome had the potential to squelch any future discussions about diversity, equity, bias or inclusion. If passed, Portage County had the potential to lose millions in federal dollars for programs like those at the ADRC or HHS, as some federal grants require cultural sensitivity and bias training. It had the potential to defund the Sheriff Department should they conduct racial profiling training. It had the potential to place Portage County in jeopardy of violating the Civil Rights Act and potentially the Equal Employment Opportunity Act. It would have stopped, in its tracks, the work of diversity and inclusion in Portage County government.

At tonight's meeting the committee was presented the resolution for consideration. I called for a motion to bring the resolution to floor. I called three times. No member of the committee made a motion to bring the resolution to the floor. Under Robert's Rules of Order, which the county board uses as its parliamentary rules, without a motion the resolution dies in committee. I applaud the committee members for their clear understanding of Robert's Rules and their determined approach to this resolution. Hopefully we can now move forward with our work.

07/21/2021

The residents of the Portage County Health Care Center must have been very, very good! Santa visited yesterday, bringing gifts, but no reindeer! :-)

The Portage County Health Care Center (PCHCC) wanted to make up for lost time, since they weren't able to have Christmas visits last year due to the pandemic.

07/15/2021

At the May meeting of the Diversity Affairs & Inclusion Committee this resolution was approved. Subsequently, the County Board approved the resolution, as well. The English title is: STANDING AGAINST HATE, BIAS OR VIOLENCE TOWARD ASIAN AND ASIAN-AMERICAN MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY

Both the English version and translated version have been sent to the Hmong American Association of Portage County, CAP Services Hmong UPLift Program, CAP Services Hmong Family Strengthening Program, Farmshed’s Sib Pab Program, and the Multi-Cultural Resource Center of the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point.

07/14/2021

Please excuse the confusion on the dates. There was a communication error on dates. The committee typically meets on the 3rd Thursday of the month. The 4th of July holiday changed the July date to the 22nd. Please share liberally.

This resolution is on the Diversity Affairs & Inclusion Committee at the request of a county board supervisor. The rules of county board require that I, as chair, place the resolution on the agenda.

The Diversity Affairs & Inclusion Committee will meet on Thursday (7/22) at 4:30, both online and in person. They will decide whether this resolution is advanced beyond committee or even discussed.

07/14/2021

This resolution is on the Diversity Affairs & Inclusion Committee at the request of a county board supervisor. The rules of county board require that I, as chair, place the resolution on the agenda.

The Diversity Affairs & Inclusion Committee will meet on Thursday (7/22) at 4:30, both online and in person. They will decide whether this resolution is advanced beyond committee or even discussed.

07/04/2021

The Declaration of Independence was signed by 56 white men. They were doctors, lawyers, farmers, printers, merchants, plantation owners, land speculators, ministers and scientists. While no women were signers, the wives gave birth to 339 children. They all had an idea of what this country could be. We struggle toward that end to this day.

I hope you have a safe and enjoyable holiday!