Waukesha alderwoman forced to resign amid allegations she lied about living in district she served in

 

WAUKESHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A longtime public servant in Waukesha has resigned amid allegations she lied about living in the district where she was elected to serve. 

For over 20 years, Kathleen Cummings has represented the people of Waukesha as an alderwoman and as a county board supervisor. This week, Cummings was forced to resign to two seats. 

Waukesha residents in District 9 elected Cummings over and over again to represent them. 

"Well for her constituents, she was very tenacious and very focused when she got into an issue," said Waukesha County Board Supervisor Duane Paulson of District 17.

Roberta Avenue is where Cummings said she lived, but investigators allege she lived on Downing Drive in District 10. Her husband is listed as owner of homes on both. 

"I'm disappointed if the allegations are such and true," said Waukesha County Board Chairman Paul Decker of District 13.

Cummings has been part of the board since Waukesha County Board Chairman Paul Decker started. 

"We butted heads on that a few times, but she definitely defended what she felt was right for the city of Waukesha," said Decker.

According to the criminal complaint, water and electric usage at the Roberta Avenue address dropped significantly in 2012. A mail carrier told investigators he noticed letters delivered there piling up. Cummings signed declarations of candidacy in 2015, 2017, and 2019 -- listing Roberta Avenue as her home address. 

"I just can't say enough about how passionate and devoted she was to the job. It's too bad it may end this way, but these are not issues for me to talk about so," said Paulson.

CBS 58 reached out to Cummings' attorney, but have not yet heard back. A man answering a phone listed to her on Friday, Nov. 12, did not want to comment. 

Wisconsin state statues require aldermen and supervisors live in their district. Last year, Waukesha's city attorney presented a reminder memo to the common council. He says Cummings did not seek clarification.