Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolutions 2000 Failed F6/44 RESOLUTION ENCOURAGING CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM Resolution No. St. Croix County, Wisconsin WHEREAS, Wisconsin citizens are proud of the tradition of clean and open government enjoyed by this state for more than a century and do not want that reputation tarnished; and WHEREAS, campaign spending is spiraling out of control and special interest groups are playing an increasingly dominant role in financing elections and referenda; and WHEREAS, voter participation is declining and fewer people are willing to run for public office because of the high cost of campaigns; and WHEREAS, the powerful special interests that finance campaigns now enjoy disproportionate access to public officials at key times in the legislative process allowing undue influence over public policy decisions; and WHEREAS, without campaign fmance reform that ensures that public policy decisions will be determined on the merits of the issues, not on the size of campaign contributions, the future of Wisconsin government is at risk. THEREFORE, be it resolved that the St. Croix County Board of Supervisors hereby urges the Wisconsin Legislature to enact bipartisan, comprehensive legislation that will: a) Adequately fund a financing system in a manner that creates incentives for candidates to accept spending limits; and b) Control independent spending done both under the guise of "issue ads" and in media campaigns that drown out the voices of even the candidates themselves; and c) Require immediate reporting of major contributions to ensure that the public is aware of who is supporting candidates and who is contributing to legislators at critical times in the legislative process. Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be transmitted by the County Clerk to Governor Tommy Thompson and members of the State Legislature representing constituents from St. Croix County. Offered by the Administration Committee on September 21, 2000. NEG IVE AFFIRMATIVE o a Post -it® Fax Note 7671 Date # of s , ate l From e Co./Dept. Co. r `" • i Phone # Phone # Fax # _ Fax # - ed U • i I 7