Wis. ethics watchdog has collected $28K in fines
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin's new elections and ethics watchdog says it has collected $28,000 in fines for violations since it started operating last year.
A Government Accountability Board memo says the agency has fined lawmakers, lobbyists, political groups and others for a range of campaign, ethics and lobbying law violations.
Jonathan Becker, who leads the board's ethics division, says the results show the board "has been very tough on violators."
Those fined include Rep. Don Pridemore and an aide for sending out a campaign press release from his state office; the campaigns of four legislators that filed late campaign finance reports; and four donors who gave more than the maximum $10,000 in contributions in an election cycle.
Oct 6, 2009 at 10:51 a.m.
Suggest removal
The point of the agency is accountability, not fundraising. We're not Nigeria here; there isn't enough corruption to have the fines balance the budget.
.
GAB members must be former state judges. A candidate committee creates a slate from which the Governor picks appointees.
It comprises the former State Elections Board and State Ethics Board.
http://elections.state.wi.us/section.asp...
Oct 6, 2009 at 10:49 a.m.
Suggest removal
Who knows what goes on in government? how many knew we funded ACORN?
Oct 6, 2009 at 9:38 a.m.
Suggest removal
I am not suggesting that it is not money well spent, but I am curious about how large the budget is for the Government Accountability Board and maybe who their watchdog is.
Oct 6, 2009 at 6:23 a.m.
Suggest removal
I think 28K is chump change. Put some teeth into this and increase the fines. The State is looking for two Billion dollars not just 28K.
Before you post a comment, consider this:
Note: GazetteXtra.com does not condone or review every comment. Read more in our User Policy AgreementPost Comment
Commenting requires registration.