Recall Signatures Need Public Review

This week the reality of the upcoming recall election hit taxpayers statewide.  At least $9 million dollars of their tax dollars will be spent on the recall election of Governor Walker.  Now that several Democratic candidates have announced their intentions to run for that post, that $9 million cost will likely double due to a primary election day.  It is unfortunate and unnecessary cost for taxpayers and local governments.  Historically nationwide recall elections of governors fail and I am confident that this one will fail, too.  

The general electorate is already fatigued with the recall process especially in light of the GAB's initial announcement of allowing petition signatures of Mickey Mouse.   In the taxpayer's best interest and in order to restore the integrity of this election process, I have made a simple request to the Government Accountability Board (GAB). 

In this letter, I asked that the recall petitions be made public on a searchable website.  For the sake of transparency in government, this public document should be displayed and searchable on the internet  (To see the letter in pdf form, click on the picture to the left.)

My office has spoken to a representative at the GAB who has said that they would like to make it possible to make these documents searchable, but are still looking into the matter.  I believe that every Wisconsin citizen should have an easy way to type in his/her name and address and see if someone forged their name on this document.  I understand that the GAB staff have a major challenge ahead of them in verifying these signatures.  I'm sure additional help from the citizens of Wisconsin would be greatly appreciated.