LETTER: Stand up for open, honest government

It’s happened again, yet another action on the part of Gov. Scott Walker that should remind you independent voters and any complacent Democrats out there why you need to stand up on June 5 and vote for open and honest government in this state.

On Friday, April 20, the Associated Press reported data obtained through an open records request showing that more than $765,000 in bonus and merit raises have been handed out this year to a select group of 218 state employees. These payments were authorized under a program that former Gov. Jim Doyle had suspended but that Gov. Walker has reinstated.

Nearly $300,000 went to staff at the Department of Justice. This is the same department where funding for its Sexual Assault Victim Services program was slashed by 42% last year under Walker’s budget. Assistant Attorney General Maria Lazar and Deputy Attorney General Kevin St. John received raises of $3,000 and $5,000 respectively. Both worked to protect Gov. Walker’s controversial collective bargaining law.

Recall that according to Walker, pay cuts for rank and file public workers such as teachers, nurses, librarians, snowplow drivers, and custodians were an absolute must in order to balance the budget. These are hard-working public servants who pay taxes just like everyone else. But bonuses for Walkers supporters and friends in high places are apparently a different story. They are immune from shared sacrifice.

If you’re not already motivated, you must not be paying attention. Go to the polls on June 5, have your photo ID ready just in case, and vote Mr. Walker out of office. Bring honest, open, and fair government back to Wisconsin.

Paul Martin,

Superior

Tags: opinion, letters