opinion

Wisconsin needs government watchdog

EDITOR: My father was a Wisconsin legislator from 1937 to 1942. As a child, I remember him taking me to watch the Legislature. He was proud to have been a member, fighting for a better life for our people.

In the 1990s, I saw special interest money converge on politics. I never thought their influence would be so dramatic.

I always thought there should be a balance of power. In 2010, the state was reapportioned. I had never seen such a partisan plan. The Majority legislators can now do whatever they want without having to worry about losing their seat. One party rule is not healthy for any government.

Today, I am not feeling the love. Today, I see a government that is covering up for itself. I see a government taking away local control, destroying our environment, ruining our public schools and shrinking the middle class. Is this the Wisconsin you love?

Today, the majority party has a bill that will dismantle the Government Accountability Board, our “government watchdog” for campaigns and ethics, and replace it with a partisan board. We need an agency that will make tough decisions without reprisal.

Contact your legislators and tell them to vote against changing the GAB.

Laurene Bach

Waunakee

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