LETTER: Vote yes to stop governor’s ‘dictatorial’ fed funds control

To Ozaukee Press:

Tuesday’s election contains two referendums that will change the Wisconsin Constitution to require legislative action when spending undesignated federal funds. A no vote stops these funds at the governor’s office, where they can be (and are currently being) stored and manipulated by one person for political control.  Two yes votes moves the money to the legislative process, where 132 of our elected representatives weigh in, and the governor still retains approval powers.

This common-sense constitutional change would apply today and into the future, regardless of which party is in office.

A Democrat counter argument is that Wisconsin needs a dose of dictatorship to distribute the funds efficiently. This made some sense when the money was small, travel and communication were difficult and time-consuming and legislators worked in Wisconsin’s fields and shops.  In 2024, legislators are easily assembled and canvassed for action.

While FEMA funding and control provide for emergencies, there are huge flows of undesignated money from the current Democratic presidential administration. All undesignated money has not been spent or accounted for by Gov. Evers for the Covid-related emergencies, and instead is hoarded for political patronage.

History tells us that party control of future levers of government will change and the Republicans may control the governorship and the Democrats the Legislature. A yes, yes vote would appropriately deny a future Republican governor dictatorial powers and engage the Democratic Legislature.

I ask Democrats to rethink continuing to empowering a governor they agree with today, because they may not agree with the next governor, who will retain those dictatorial powers. Please join me Tuesday and vote yes and yes to restore Democracy to its rightful place in Wisconsin.

Stephen Leonard

Cedarburg