Ahhh...so much for that transparency on which Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker campaigned. When Walker claimed to have received thousands of emails supporting him on his union-busting collective bargaining hardline, the Associated Press and the local publication the Isthmus asked to see proof. When Walker refused, they filed FOIA requests for them. Think that a legally binding document compelled Walker? Guess again:
Over the past month or so, Governor Deadeyes has been spinning a narrative in which he’s been receiving “overwhelming” support for his budget-slashing measures. He has frequently cited receiving emails from “a single mother” or “a small-business owner” or “a laid off autoworker from Janesville.” As he continues to find ways to get on to TV to make his case, he keeps relying on this “overwhelming” support.
In an attempt to find out what level of support he really has received, two local media outlets filed Freedom of Information Act requests, seeking the emails that Walker has received over this period of time. They want to see exactly who is supporting him and what they are saying.
Apparently, the law not being on his side, Walker decided to ignore the requests. Bill Lueders of the Isthmus noted that he had not received a formal response to his request. AP reporter Todd Richmond received an email from the governor’s lawyer, noting his request would cost more than $31,250 and that amount of money had to be paid in advance. Or, he could just come on down and camp out at the Capitol and read until his heart was content.
The men filed a suit in Dane County on Friday, as their requests weren’t being taken seriously.
The Freedom of Information Act for the state of Wisconsin is listed here. Note that it says that we’re supposed to have as much openness as possible. Also note that fees can be waived “if the material requested is of public interest.” Governor might be making sh*t up? Yeah, seems like this request fits the bill
Thirty-one thousand dollars for copying? C'mon. I can get a flash drive for $50 and you can put all of the files on that. I guess that's too easy an answer.
I'm curious how much of the precious Wisconsin tax dollars are being used to defend Walker's desire not to share with the public how much support he is actually getting.
