Oshkosh has two governments.
Oshkosh, Do You Know?
A blog to provide public insight into the operations of City, School, and County government—and to root out corruption and misconduct wherever it exists.
Oshkosh Has Two Governments—Neither Representing You?
Did you know that Oshkosh essentially operates under two governments?
One is the elected Common Council, which is supposed to represent the people. The other is the City Manager and their administrative staff, many of whom don’t even live in Oshkosh. Unfortunately, neither seems to have the public’s best interests at heart.
In the Manager-Council form of government, the City Manager effectively holds the power, while the elected Council acts more as a rubber stamp. Residents expect council members to advocate for them—but good luck getting a reply to an email or phone call. Most don't respond at all.
Power in Name Only
Council members often claim they can direct the City Manager and represent the people’s interests. But the reality is starkly different:
The City Manager controls the budget, writes it, and gets it approved.
Ordinances? Also drafted and approved by the Manager or city staff.
Want to bring up an issue at a Council meeting? It must be approved by the Manager, unless three out of seven council members agree to place it on the agenda—which rarely happens when only two respond to voters in the first place.
This structure leaves the Council largely powerless to act on behalf of residents.
Real Experience, Real Frustration
In my own experience with a recent city issue:
Only two Council members responded.
One finally replied after multiple emails, only to chastise my political signage (which is protected speech).
Four others simply ignored me.
And even when a response comes, what can they do? Almost nothing. Council members can’t direct city staff, and they have no authority over day-to-day operations. Their only real power is hiring or firing the City Manager—but even that is nearly impossible unless there’s a serious crime or long-term abandonment of duty.
Who’s Really in Charge?
Let’s break it down:
Council Can:
Approve the City Manager’s budget
Approve ordinances written by staff
Only discuss agenda items approved by the City Manager
Raise your taxes—without public input
The City Manager Can:
Spend unlimited taxpayer money (as long as each purchase is under $50,000)
Direct all city staff and operations
Control what Council can discuss
Ignore resident complaints
And remember: many city staff don’t live here. Some have even referred to Oshkosh residents as "morons" for staying in a city where every aspect of life is micromanaged without recourse.
Oshkosh Needs Reform
This isn’t about politics—it’s about accountability, transparency, and restoring power to the people of Oshkosh. The system is broken. The corruption is real. Reform is essential.
If you’ve had a similar experience—ignored by the Council or mistreated by city staff—I want to hear from you.
📧 Contact me: danlenz4@gmail.com
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