Wis. speaker scolded for moving slow on IT panel
MADISON—Nine months after he was named Assembly speaker, Rep. Mike Sheridan has failed to appoint lawmakers to serve on a committee that's supposed to oversee expensive information technology projects.
A task force that included Sheridan recommended restarting the committee to improve oversight after a string of projects failed across state government. But the committee met only once — in March 2008 — and only has five of its 10 members on board.
Republican critics charged Sheridan, a Janesville Democrat, has been absent on oversight when the state is facing difficult budget problems.
"In tough economic times, we cannot continue to spend taxpayer dollars for these types of projects without oversight from the Legislature," said Rep. Phil Montgomery, R-Ashwaubenon, who chaired the task force. He criticized Sheridan publicly after The Associated Press reported last month that another expensive UW System project is running into delays.
Senate Majority Leader Russ Decker made his committee appointments months ago, including Sen. Pat Kreitlow, D-Chippewa Falls, as co-chair, a spokeswoman said. Kreitlow spokesman Jeff Buhrandt said the committee is still performing oversight even without meeting or Assembly involvement by requiring agencies to submit reports on the most expensive projects.
Sheridan said initially he hadn't made appointments because the committee "did not meet last session and has been inactive for some time." But his office conceded later the committee met last year.
"Ultimately, the committee needs a reboot, and my staff and I are currently considering ways to make it a truly effective oversight tool," Sheridan said.
Aug 11, 2009 at 2 a.m.
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I agree that Sheridan is pretty much worthless as a representative, but I'm going to cut him some slack on this issue. I doubt anyone could find 5 Assembly Reps (Republican OR Democrat) worth putting on an IT panel. I suspect the majority of them have someone else do their e-mail so as not to embarrass themselves trying to use an e-mail client.
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I wouldn't bet against more than a few of them pushing the power button on their monitor when someone on the phone from tech support asks them to "reboot" their computer.
Aug 10, 2009 at 9:49 a.m.
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This is great. Mike Sheridan rationalized his automatic pay increase last session by saying he was "deserving" of his raise due to his position as speaker and his additional responsibilities. Pay should be based on performance Mr. Sheidan. As a former Union negotiator, I'm sure you have made that same argument at some point. Either do your job or we will find someone else to do it for you. This state has wasted enough money implementing poorly designed software to be used by state government entities. We shouldn't have to pay you to twiddle your thumbs as well.
Aug 10, 2009 at 9:39 a.m.
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If these individuals truly represent the people(i.e. We the People), could someone explain to me why their salary is probably close to double what the average pay is in this country. While you're at it enlighten me why the health benefits that they are entitled to are unattainable by the average person. And don't forget the pension for life that they get when we are finally smart enough to kick'em out of office. Oh, that's right, we are not ever that smart!
Aug 10, 2009 at 7:37 a.m.
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He has never impressed me.
Aug 9, 2009 at 8 p.m.
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Sheridan has spent too much time trying to fulfill his promise to "put the hurt" on Woodmans. Last time I was there it looks as if he can't get that done either. The two party adversary political system we have is a disaster. We need to boot our current politicians and install term limits if our state and country ever want to return to prosperity.
Aug 9, 2009 at 6:36 p.m.
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Until the voters wake up and realize that partisan politics is the downfall of everything they hope to achieve...history is doomed to repeat itself...and bring us all down in the process.
Aug 9, 2009 at 5:31 p.m.
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I do not live in Speaker Sheridan's district and I am glad I don't. In my opinion he is worthless. I've known Mike for several years and he is getting more worthless every year. If the democrats don't watch it by the next election they will be on the outside looking in. Both local, state, and national. I don't know which is worse the democrats or republicans. You would think they would work together to do something for the people they represent, but all they do is disagree with one another and get nothing done. When the republicans ruled the roost it was their way and now with the democrats ruling the roost it is their way. You have to have check and balance in the government to get something done, not a one way street and the sooner the politicians realize this the better off the American people will be.
Aug 9, 2009 at 3:58 p.m.
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He's a dead beat;I'll bet he'd be on the ball if the money came out of his pocket,MISTER i'll take my "RAISE"
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