The latest Wisconsin Policy Research Institute poll tells us that Wisconsinites are rapidly losing confidence in their elected officials. In a state that once enjoyed a national reputation for clean politics, only 9 percent of those surveyed thought that the standard for ethics in state government was improving while 46 percent thought it was declining.
Even more disheartening were the answers to the question about whose interests elected officials serve. Only 6 percent of those surveyed thought that elected officials represented their interests.
The citizens of Wisconsin have reason to be concerned. Consider the growing controversy surrounding the awarding of a three-year contract – worth up to $240,000 annually – to make travel arrangements for the state.