[media-credit name=’MEGHAN CONLIN/Herald Photo’ align=’alignnone’ width=’648′]
[/media-credit]More than 300 people looked on as members of the People's Legislature held a public hearing at the Capitol Monday to confront state leaders with issues of ethics reform.
After top legislative officials did not show up, a board of panelists proceeded to question a group of photos representing Gov. Jim Doyle; Assembly Speaker John Gard, R-Peshtigo; and Senate Majority Leader Dale Schultz, R-Richland Center.
Representatives from the People's Legislature, a multi-party group that is part of the non-partisan Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, asked the absent officials about their commitment to campaign-finance and elections reform, undeterred by the lack of a response from the absent legislators.
According to a legislative aide in Schultz's office, the senator had prior engagements and had never told the panel he would be present. The offices of the governor and Gard did not return calls as of press time.
"We, who … for so long have been so proud of our state, have to realize we have no grounds to be proud of all," Milwaukee County District Attorney Michael McCann said, referring to the recent corruption plaguing state politics.
McCann called for complete campaign-finance reform, expressing concerns that special-interest contributions — not constituent bases — are impacting elected officials today.
After the Legislative Caucus Scandal, McCann served as the attorney who prosecuted former Senate Majority Leader Chuck Chvala, D-Madison, one of five legislators found guilty of misusing their public offices.
In addition, former Sen. Brian Burke, D-Milwaukee; former Rep. Bonnie Ladwig, R-Racine; and former Rep. Steven Foti, R-Oconomowoc, all pled guilty to reduced charges in court after striking plea deals with prosecutors. Current Rep. Scott Jensen, R-Waukesha, who also faces charges of fraudulent campaign-finance behavior, is scheduled to go to trial Feb. 21.
State election campaigns need to be reformed, McCann said, citing the recent scandal. He added he fully supports passage of Assembly Bill 626, a measure to provide 100 percent public financing to campaigns.
In addition to McCann, several other members of the People's Legislature testified at the hearing, including former University of Wisconsin Board of Regents member Nino Amato and Doris "Granny D" Haddock.
"The time has come for a new kind of politics in America. … If you are reformers, get the job done or go home," Haddock said to onlookers.
In 1999, at the age of 89, Haddock led a cross-country walk in support of campaign-finance reform and the Bipartisan Election Reform Bill of 2002.
Additionally, UW junior Kelly Egan served on the panel, representing student interests.
"As a student, I have faced a 50 percent increase in tuition over the past four years, which I've been told is me 'doing my part' to balance the budget," Egan said. "Still, I see less and less consideration by public officials on issues that affect students."
Egan also expressed concerns that her interests are being obscured by the money offered by special-interest groups.
In addition to AB 626, the People's Legislature supports SB 1, a measure to combine the state's existing Ethics and Elections Boards into a single Government Accountability Board with expanded powers.
Both legislative initiatives are expected to be reviewed by the Assembly Committee on Campaigns and Elections Wednesday in a public hearing.
