Strong Wisconsin Reform

January 4th, 2010 by Mark Neumann - Comments (5)

Today we announced the Strong Wisconsin Reform platform.  Instead of simply sweeping the things that don't work under the rug, this comprehensive reform package aims to fix our broken system so we don't keep repeating the problems of the past.

Please take a minute to read it over.  We want your input as we move forward.

The 'Five Day Rule' Reform
The Wisconsin Legislature has developed a habit of passing massive and costly pieces of legislation in the dead of night, often before the public has had any chance to review and speak out about what is being passed. As Governor, Mark Neumann will call on the Legislature to amend its rules to require the text of any major spending proposal be available online for review by the public for at least five days before final passage.


The 'Clean House' Reform
To encourage both increased public participation in elections and a return to a true, responsive citizen government, Governor Mark Neumann will limit himself to no more than two full terms in office. He will also support term limits for all Constitutional and Legislative offices:

• Three Terms for Governor and all Constitutional Offices (12 Years)
• Three Terms for State Senators (12 Years)
• Six Terms for State Representatives (12 years)

The 'Let the People Decide' Reform
An increasingly common complaint of Wisconsin citizens is that government ignores their calls for reform. As Governor, Mark Neumann will support allowing citizens to bring initiatives and referenda before all voters via a statewide ballot. In order to appear on the ballot, a percentage of supporting petition signatures from eligible citizens will be collected in a proportionate amount from every county.


The 'Clean Budget' Reform
To deter any real or perceived influence that campaign donations have on the biennial state budget process, as Governor Mark Neumann will not raise campaign funds from December 1 of the year before the budget bill is introduced, until after the budget is signed into law. Neumann will also ask legislative leaders to adhere to the same self-regulation.


The 'Clean Government' Reform
Similar to the Clean Budget Reform, as Governor Mark Neumann will propose the following to do away with any real and perceived effect that donations and fundraising have on the political process:

• Introduce legislation that prohibits donations to all incumbent Legislative and Constitutional officials from an employee of a business at any time while that business’s bid for a contract is being considered by any state government agency.
• Prohibit state government employees that Neumann directly appoints from contributing to his campaign, as well as organizing, hosting or participating in fundraising efforts for the Governor’s campaign committee.

The media has shown significant interest in this platform.  Here is a subset of the articles.  They each offer a section for reader's comments - we encourage you to tell the media and other readers what you think.

• Wisconsin State Journal (Madison)
• Milwaukee Journal Sentinal
• Janesville Gazette
• Eau Claire Leader Telegram

Thank you for your support!

Comments

Jake Ewerdt	This is exactly what we need to prevent back door deals and special interest legislation. If the people of Wisconsin are loud enough, a strong leader can push these reforms through!
Billie Johnson	I like the referendum proposal. I noticed articles and blogs already upset about this proposal. They don't want the the “tyranny of the majority" to alter the liberal minority’s control. Mark's hit a home run with this proposal.
Tresa Ewerdt	I am thrilled with the Strong Wisconsin Reform platform. It is what the "government of the people" crowd longs for. And it reflects the integrity and insights of the man who will make the best governor - Mark Neumann!
Don Holt	Effective reform of representative government cannot happen with out significant changes in our electorial sysem. That change must incorporate term limits. People often get elected by espousing great ideas, but soon find they are impotent unless they play the game dictated by seniority, power, money and influence. Elected officials soon recognize that they must prostitute themselves to the afformentioned values if they are going to get things done. By then they are part of the system(problem) of non-representative government. I support Mark all the way on this.
Derek Ellerman	The Five Day Rule is crucial. I don't have any statistics to prove it, but I would bet the farm on the fact that a lot of our budget woes have to do with the fly-by-night signing process in Madison. This type of legislation can't force the people to actually read the budget when it is posted, but at least it will force the regime to stay honest.