Lawmaker opposed to ethics disclosure bill
MADISON, Wis. (AP) —State Rep. Samantha Kerkman is raising concerns about a bill that would require lawmakers to post their financial disclosure forms on the Internet.
The Genoa City Republican said Monday that posting the information online would give too much information to critics who could find ways to harass lawmakers and steal their identities.
Lawmakers and other public officials must file statements every year listing their investments, debts and business affiliations.
The goal is to allow the public to know about potential conflicts of interest. But right now, people who want to review the information have to go through the board and give their names to the officials.
A pending bill supported by good government groups would do away with that requirement and put the information online.
Aug 11, 2009 at 12:34 p.m.
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Why should it require "some effort"?
To weed out those who are just wasting time or have no legitimate interest in looking up such information. Along the same lines as voting, that if you're too lazy to put in some effort to vote then you probably shouldn't be voting anyway. If you have a real interest in this information (such as an investigative journalist for example) then you will go through the proper channels. If you're just surfing the internet and looking to ridicule someone or do something unethical, then you'll think twice before submitting your name and address to the board. Like I said, I don't have a problem with putting it online, I just think the board should have to authorize access for each request.
Aug 10, 2009 at 5:38 p.m.
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I can't imagine why a politician would have an objection to presenting the level of ethics they adhere too.
Aug 10, 2009 at 3:57 p.m.
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Good one, Rooster!!!! Thanks for the best laugh I have had in weeks!
Aug 10, 2009 at 12:33 p.m.
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Oh, rooster!!!!! I'm still LFAO!!
Aug 10, 2009 at 12:10 p.m.
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like someone would want to take over the identity of anyone in any political office. har de har har.
Aug 10, 2009 at 11:40 a.m.
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ktaustin: Why should it require "some effort"?
Aug 10, 2009 at 11:35 a.m.
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So putting it online is only for the sake of those who are either too lazy to go through the board, or too afraid to admit that they want to see the information? I say keep it the way it is. I guess I don't have an objection to putting it online for the convenience, as long as you still have to submit your name and information to gain access (to discourage people trolling it for identity theft). I know this is the age of making everything easy and online, but some things SHOULD require some effort.
Aug 10, 2009 at 11:30 a.m.
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Minus address' and social security numbers I think it's a good idea.
Aug 10, 2009 at 11:28 a.m.
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It should be an open book in my opinion.
Put it all online.
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