Sheboygan Mayor to hire new assistant, third in four years
Mayor Ryan Sorenson is also looking to hire an intern
SHEBOYGAN — The Mayor of Sheboygan is hiring for his third assistant in four years, leaving some residents wondering why.
Mayor Ryan Sorenson’s Assistant and Communications Specialist, Veronica Valdez, is no longer employed by the City of Sheboygan. Her disappearance was first noticed when the city’s monthly newsletter was not emailed on May 1st. Her name was removed from the city’s website shortly thereafter. According to sources, Valdez went on vacation and shortly after she came back, she was gone from City Hall. One source told WKTS News that they never got the indication Valdez was thinking about resigning from her role.
Kelly Hendee, the city’s Director of Human Resources & Labor Relations, confirmed to WKTS News that Valdez’s last day of employment with the city was Monday, May 5th. Hendee would not confirm if Valdez resigned or was terminated, citing the city’s policy on releasing personnel records. Attempts to reach the former city employee have been unsuccessful.
Valdez was hired as Sorenson’s second assistant in July 2022. When Sorenson was first elected in April 2021, Sarah Schwefel had served as his assistant for one year until her departure in May 2022. Prior to working under Sorenson, Schwefel had served as Mayor Mike Vandersteen’s assistant for three years. Valdez was hired as Schwefel’s replacement just weeks later.
According to the job posting, the full-time Mayoral Assistant and Communications Specialist position pays $59,259 a year with full benefits. In addition to answering phone calls and messages, the assistant is responsible for researching, writing, designing and creating communications about all aspects of the city. They also write letters, memos, proclamations, and other correspondence on behalf of Sorenson.
The Mayor is also seeking to hire a summer intern. For $16 per hour, the student intern will work alongside the Mayor on City initiated projects and activities. Responsibilities of the internship include supporting the Mayor in meetings and at events as well as assisting with constituent case work such as answering calls and emails. According to the job posting, the intern will work up to 20 hours per week with a flexible schedule.
Sorenson’s salary for 2025 is $75,000 with full benefits and pension. His annual salary will increase 3.5% every year until his second term expires in April 2028. Sorenson’s first scandal-ridden term saw lawsuits, ethics complaints, misplaced priorities and questions about his commitment to serving as Mayor. In his first year, 28 city employees resigned because of concerns over Sorenson. Just weeks after being sworn-in for his second term, Sorenson and skipped a city meeting to attend an event in Milwaukee on May 15th.
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