State Agencies

Support of organization of state agencies on the basis of integration of function and service to the people of the state without waste, with reduction in number where compatible with these primary aims; governor-initiated reorganization with legislative veto.

Governor

Support of no restriction on the number of terms in office a governor may seek.

State Constitution

Support of responsible but more flexible procedures for amending the constitution; a constitutional revision commission established by statute; opposition to a state constitutional convention.

Apportionment

Support of:
Regularly scheduled apportionment based primarily on population equality, but also with consideration of the compactness and contiguity of districts; maintenance of equality; and, in so far as is possible, recognition of community of interest as defined by town, village, city, county or ward boundaries and major geographical characteristics. A redistricting process characterized by objectivity, accountability, timely and efficient completion and a reasonable degree of flexibility.

Citizen participation and access at all levels and steps of the process.

Establishment of a commission to be responsible for the development of a legislative and Congressional redistricting plan:

• The commission should include citizens at large and legislators. A combination of commission members could also include representatives from political parties and public interest groups.
• The commission should be appointed by the majority and minority legislative leaders, a panel of members of the Wisconsin Supreme Court or a combination of appointees.  Various combinations could include the legislative leaders, the governor, the Supreme Court members and/or the Chief Justice.
• The commission should have the initial responsibility for developing the redistricting plans.
• If the legislature retains the initial responsibility, the commission should assume responsibility if the legislature fails to adopt a plan by a specified deadline.
• Whichever body has the initial responsibility, the commission should be independent of the legislature and the only role for the legislature should be ratification, i.e., no amendment.

Court enforcement if the designated body fails to act within the designated time period.

Legislature

Support of structures, procedures and practices of the Wisconsin legislature which are characterized by:

Accountability

A legislature that is responsible to the citizens and is able to hold its own leaders, committees, and members responsible for their actions and decisions.

Representativeness

A legislature whose leaders, committees, and members represent the state as a whole as well as their own districts.

Decision-Making Capability

A legislature with the knowledge, resources, and power to make decisions that meet state needs and reconcile conflicting interests and priorities.

Effective Performance

A legislature able to function in an efficient manner with a minimum of conflict, wasted time and duplication of effort.

Civil Service and the Appointment Powers of the Executive Branch

Career Public Service

Support of merit recruitment and merit selection to implement programs, investigate complaints, and/or manage units of employees.

Support of hiring steps which are well-established and publicized in order to enhance the reputation of public service.

Support of action which would make public service attractive, including the employee’s ability to function and grow as a professional in state service, to implement programs, to move into administrative positions and to receive adequate pay for responsibilities.

Appointments

Support of the governor’s right to appoint cabinet level positions. Development of criteria for establishing whether positions below cabinet level should be appointed or hired through merit recruitment and selection.

Support of appointed positions to develop policy; provide public relations and/or serve legislative liaison needs. Appointed positions should meet the following qualifications: highest priority is given to honesty and ability; also essential are appropriate education, training and experience.