By Jason Arndt
Editor
Interim Racine County Executive Thomas Roanhouse couldn’t help but pay tribute to his predecessor on Oct. 8 while delivering the annual budget address.
The budget address, which highlighted numerous challenges ahead for the Board of Supervisors, included strong praise for former Racine County Executive Jonathan Delagrave.
Delagrave, who died from an apparent heart attack on June 28 in Waterford, served as county executive since 2015 when he was elected and successfully retained the seat in 2019 and 2023.
“Before discussing the budget, I must pay tribute to Jonathan, my buddy. His unparalleled vision and strategic acumen in government are the reasons why the other 71 counties look up to Racine County,” Roanhouse said.
Roanhouse cited Mark O’Connell, CEO of the Wisconsin Counties Association, who spoke highly of Delagrave’s record.
O’Connell, who spoke at the annual conference, said that Delagrave always started with the answer: “Yes, it can be done. There was always a way to accomplish everything.”
Roanhouse recognized that Delagrave’s leadership extended beyond the Racine County borders.
Statewide, Delagrave served as vice chairman of the Wisconsin Counties Association’s Board of Directors, where he played a prominent role in an organization recognized as a leader nationwide, Roanhouse said.
“When Wisconsin attends national conventions, other states seek us out for our forward-thinking, creative and innovative approach, thanks in large part to leaders like Jonathan,” Roanhouse said.
Policy Forum honor
A day later, on Oct. 9, the Wisconsin Policy Forum posthumously honored Delagrave as a recipient of the James R. Ryan Lifetime Achievement award as part of its annual Salute to Local Government event.
Wisconsin Policy Forum, which recognized other state agencies and workers, plans to honor Delagrave and others at the 32nd annual Salute to Government event on Nov. 13 at the Italian Community Center in Milwaukee.
“Racine County suffered a traffic loss in June with the unexpected death of County Executive Delagrave,” Wisconsin Policy Forum representatives wrote in a news release. “Delagrave dedicated most of his professional life to improving the community where he grew up.”
Delagrave, who started with Racine County in 2003, began in the Human Services Department before becoming director of the agency seven years later.
Among the attributes Wisconsin Policy Forum recognized Delagrave for was his leadership, particularly in economic and infrastructure development, according to the release.
“His legacy includes his work on economic development, infrastructure development, and mental health services for Racine County,” the release stated. “His accomplishments were only surpassed by his kindness and his inclusive and visionary leadership style.”
After his untimely passing, both Republicans and Democrats heaped accolades on Delagrave, including all of Racine County’s elected state office holders.
“At a time when partisan campaigns are fighting about the future of our politics, the Salute to Local Government is a reminder of the great things happening in the here and now,” said Wisconsin Policy Forum president Jason Stein.
“The Salute gives us an opportunity to set aside our differences for a day and give the state’s best public servants the thanks that they don’t always hear,” he added.
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