Rep. Wingard "... lead the charge on bills that will line his own pockets ..."

http://www.blueoregon.com/2011/06/whats-panic-theres-no-need-rush-and-shut-out-public-last-minute-bills/
What’s the Panic? There’s No Need to Rush and Shut Out the Public on Last-Minute Bills
By Scott Moore of Portland, Oregon. Scott is communications director for Our Oregon.


Let’s face it: Oregon voters are extremely cynical about the state legislature, and the kind of frantic horse-trading happening right now over the “education package” is exactly what makes them that way.

Despite little to no opportunity for public input, legislators are expected to vote on these either Monday or Tuesday.

The public was shut out of the process ... cutting these deals behind closed doors, and by letting Rep. Matt Wingard lead the charge on bills that will line his own pockets, legislators are playing up the worst beliefs that citizens have about the legislative process.

... just a few examples of sweeping bills that are being pushed forward without the public (the first three are Wingard’s pet projects):

HB 2301: Expands virtual charter schools (aka the “Matt Wingard is Getting a Fat Bonus this Year” Bill)—A similar, failed bill had testimony in February, but the current version of the bill, with significant amendments, has never been discussed in a public forum. In fact, the latest amendments to the bill weren’t even posted online before the committee rushed to move it to the floor.

...............

Not to mention disgusted and disheartened. Glad others are aware, too. Sometimes I feel so alone out here in the hinterlands.

And yeah, I'm a Tired Old Cynic