Walker, Aides Flunked Walker's Published Ethics 'Plan'

Scott Walker's perch atop a public office where laws were broken, secret campaigning was enabled and thuggish email traffic provided racist entertainmentt makes you wonder what happened to the glitzy ethics-in-government plan the same County Executive rolled out during his first run for governor.

He apparently envisioned ethical prescriptions to "restore integrity" in state government before he insisted on similar behaviors of his own and by his own county and campaign staffs.

I copied out the 'plan' from his now-blocked or deleted website, posted it in November and reprint it below - -  and shake my head at quotes bearing Walker's name that drip with irony:

"The culture of government has destroyed the integrity and the idea of public service," said Walker. "My plan seeks to restore the public trust, and instill the confidence that our elected leaders are working for the people," Walker added. Ethics Reform Plan Walker: Proposes Wisconsin Ethics System Overhaul   Citing government ethics as one of the greatest challenges to Wisconsin's democracy, Milwaukee County Executive and Candidate for Governor Scott Walker today released his comprehensive ethics reform plan. Walker's plan calls for a major overhaul of Wisconsin's failing system to restore integrity to our state's government. "During my 100-Day agenda tour I outlined ethical reforms that could be implemented without legislation," said Walker.  "Today's plan is far more comprehensive and will not only require the assistance of the legislature, but also the people of Wisconsin to step forward to make it happen." Key highlights of the Walker ethics reform plan include: Prohibit political campaign contributions until the state budget is signed into law  Five year ban on paid lobbying of the agency an individual worked in for all members of the administration, Legislature and legislative staff  Term limits on all state offices of no more than 12 years 3 terms for Governor, Treasurer, Secretary of State, and Attorney General  3 terms for State Senate  6 terms for State Assembly   Return to a part-time legislature "The culture of government has destroyed the integrity and the idea of public service," said Walker. "My plan seeks to restore the public trust, and instill the confidence that our elected leaders are working for the people," Walker added. Walker cited the revolving door of professional politician to professional lobbyist and the undue influence of campaign cash as one of the most glaring problems in government today. While campaigning around Wisconsin, Scott makes it a point to listen to people's thoughts on the future direction of our great state. Wisconsin is one of 11 states that is considered to have a truly "full-time" legislature, and one of only 6 states that is always "in session" for the full two-year cycle. Most states have a defined time period for the regular legislative session, and these sessions are always shorter than two years. Walker conceded that many of these proposals may not be received warmly in Madison. However, he invites everyone to listen to the people and offer their own proposals to restore the integrity of Wisconsin's government. "Re-instilling the people's trust in our public institutions will be a top priority for my administration," said Walker. "I believe this plan begins this process and I look forward to discussing my proposals in the coming months of this campaign." REFORM PLAN All appointed employees will be prohibited from contributing to Scott Walker's campaign committee. (100 Day Agenda and Walker's current policy in county government)  All appointed employees will be prohibited from organizing or participating in fundraising for Scott Walker's campaign committee. (100 Day Agenda and Walker's current policy in county government)  Scott Walker will not accept any campaign contributions (from any source) from the time he takes office (January 3, 2007) until the state budget is signed into law.  (100 Day Agenda)  Scott Walker will call on Legislative leaders to enact a similar policy for all elected state officials. (100 Day Agenda)  Scott Walker will push legislation that prohibits contributions to his campaign from firms that are seeking to do business with the state while the contracts are being bid and awarded. (Walker's current policy in county government)  Scott Walker will require every member of his administration to attend ethics training every two years to ensure that all executive staff members are aware of ethics standards and laws  Scott Walker proposes a five year ban on paid lobbying of the agency they worked in for all members of the administration, Legislature and legislative staff.    Scott Walker will push legislation to combine the State Elections Board and the State Ethics Board  Scott Walker will call for legislation to prohibit state candidates from accepting political contributions from the owners, operators or managers of casinos and racetracks. (Walker proposed similar legislation in 1997 and 1999)  Scott Walker will propose legislation to prohibit closed caucus meetings and to require that all votes in Legislative committees take place in public.  Scott Walker will push for term limits on all state offices of no more than 12 years (3 terms for Governor, other constitutional officers and State Senate and 6 for State Assembly).  Scott Walker will push for a return to a part-time Legislature.   Scott Walker will propose legislation to prohibit the transfer of funds from federal campaign accounts to state campaign accounts. Privacy Polic