An angry Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, is vowing to change how Wisconsin elections and ethics are regulated.
Vos says the Government Accountability Board (GAB) is “dysfunctional, unresponsive, and totally undemocratic.” The board which oversees elections is composed of six former judges who are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the State Senate.
Vos complains about the board’s handling of legislative-recall petitioning and voting, and its support for the John Doe investigation into possible illegal coordination between Gov. Scott Walker and conservative groups. He also disliked the model ballot offered to county clerks for this year’s general election.
fI feel compelled to respond to Rep. Robin Vos’ comments about Kevin Kennedy, director of the Government Accountability Board (“Doe effort called ‘death warrant,'” Oct. 8).
I served on both the State of Wisconsin Elections Board and the GAB while Kennedy was the director, and I can tell you that his service was exceptional in each case. Kennedy has a national reputation as an expert in election affairs and has taught and counseled election agencies throughout this nation.
Vos’ criticism is ill-informed. Perhaps his comments reflect partisan priorities over outstanding and faithful public service to the people of his state. Or perhaps he is uncomfortable with an agency that follows the dictates of the Wisconsin Statutes.
In any event, his criticism of the GAB and its director are without any basis.
Judge Gordon Myse (Ret.)
Appleton