1/09/06: Bill Would Allow Anonymous Look-ups
Bill Would Allow Anonymous Look-ups
Wisconsin State Journal :: LOCAL :: B3
Monday, January 9, 2006
MADISON
People could anonymously examine statements listing the financial interests of public officials under proposed legislation.
Under current law, people who look at the financial statements must disclose their names and employers -- information that is sent to the public officials who filed the statements.
Open government advocates say that can intimidate people.
Rep. Spencer Black, D-Madison, introduced a bill that would allow people to look at the financial statements without having to disclose their identities.
Mike McCabe, executive director of the government watchdog Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, said his group supports the proposal.
"I think that's what needs to be done to make this information truly useful to the public and make them truly open records," he said.