Foxconn Critic Says Mount Pleasant Official Harassed Her

MOUNT PLEASANT, WI — A local community activist who has been critical of the Foxconn development project as well as local officials has filed a formal complaint against the local fire chief over allegations that he harassed and intimidated her via a website of his own creation.

Mount Pleasant resident Kelly Gallaher and legal counsel have filed a complaint with the Mount Pleasant Police and Fire Commission this week alleging that Fire Chief Robert Stedman is the author of website "Let's Make a Better Mount Pleasant," and that commentary on his site represents "a stunning act of misconduct and inappropriate behavior which must be immediately investigated." You can read Gallaher's full complaint here.

Gallaher is one of the administrators of Facebook Group "A Better Mount Pleasant," a watchdog group that has taken issue with a number of policies and practices related to the construction of the proposed $10 billion Foxconn electronics plant in Racine County. She has also spoken before public officials on various local governance issues.

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In her complaint, field May 13 with James Ivanoski of the Mount Pleasant Police and Fire Commission, Gallaher says she and her legal counsel are seeking disciplinary action against Stedman, citing state law that pertains to the discipline and termination of a public official under certain conditions.

Gallaher says holding local officials accountable on behalf of area residents has drawn the ire of some, including Stedman. Mount Pleasant Patch has reached out to Stedman for comments related to the claims filed against him, however he has yet to respond.

In a statement issued to Patch, Gallaher says: "For more than two years, I have been the victim of cyberstalking by a website that was created for the sole purpose to threaten, harass and intimidate me. I have always believed the creator of this website was a Mount Pleasant Village official. While the creator of the website was successful in keeping their identity a secret for many months, it was sheer coincidence that I learned last December the username
of the person responsible."

In her complaint, Gallaher said learning that Stedman was the likely person behind the creation and operation of the website caused her undue stress and anxiety.