By John Buchel

State Writer

Wisconsin governor-elect Jim Doyle’s inauguration committee Tuesday announced a schedule of events designed to encourage citizen participation in inauguration ceremonies.

“I believe that the inauguration should be an event for all the people of Wisconsin,” Doyle said.

Events are scheduled for Jan. 5 and 6 in Madison and Milwaukee.

Doyle’s Inaugural Committee will raise money to cover the cost of the events, and any money remaining will be donated to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Wisconsin. Wisconsin has never before used a governor’s inauguration to raise money for a non-profit organization.

“I am excited by the opportunity to open up the inaugural events to everyone throughout Wisconsin and also by the chance to use this occasion to benefit programs that work with youth all over the state. Other states have used their inaugurals to benefit programs in the past, and I am proud that we will be able to do this in Wisconsin,” Doyle said.

“By working with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Wisconsin, we will be able to host a variety of free and affordably-priced events for the people of Wisconsin, while also directly benefiting youth programs throughout the state,” Doyle said.

Doyle will be in Milwaukee on Jan. 5 for an interfaith breakfast before returning to Madison on Jan. 6 for a free public breakfast, the inauguration ceremony at the State Capitol, a welcome reception in the governor’s office at the Capitol and an inaugural ball at Monona Terrace. The ball is open to the public and tickets are $25.

Doyle’s Inaugural Committee will report all contributions made to the inaugural ceremonies.

“The fact that Doyle chose to make sure that all contributions that come into his inaugural fund public is a positive development,” said Jay Heck, executive director of the political watchdog group Common Cause in Wisconsin.

“Some of the groups that will be paying for these events will be groups that have business in the capitol, so the key is to make a distinction that the money they are giving to the inauguration is not money intended to influence legislation,” Heck said.