Committee questions legality of vetoes by Kelso County committee reminds government not to endorse private businesses By Anna Krejci News-Chronicle The Brown County Executive Committee continues to investigate whether Brown County Executive Carol Kelso has the authority to veto committee reports. Prompted by Sup. Jane Hansen's motion, the committee voted unanimously to request corporation counsel to write a letter to the state attorney general to determine if Kelso can veto subjects referred to in committee reports. Corporation counsel has 30 days to ensure the letter reaches the attorney general. Members of the committee said the former county executive would veto resolutions or ordinances, but never committee reports. Hansen said she is concerned that if an issue is raised in committee and is forwarded until the next meeting, Kelso might veto it before it can be fully discussed. Kelso's decision to veto committee report items originates from a disagreement about remaining 2002 funds assigned to the Human Services Department. Kelso had signed the committee report containing the motion, but did not approve of the allocation of funds. She said in order for her views to be clearly understood, she would veto committee report items. The committee also unanimously voted to draft a letter directed to all county department heads reminding them that government office space should not be used to endorse private businesses. Sup. Steve Fewell, District 26, said he believes advertising contracts with the government are appropriate as long as it is not interpreted as an endorsement.