That is the topic of a fine piece of reporting by Ginger Gibson in this morning’s News Journal, providing some detail how how the GOP spent their budgets to support themselves when they were in control of the House. This report has the feel of a tip of the iceberg — as in there is likely more there to look at. But it is very good to see how the people who want to lay claim to making a better use of tax money (largely via hyping their own bete noirs, insensible math and trying to paint everyone else as being profligate) are especially profligate on their own behalf. Using Delaware tax money.
Among the items Democrats say were partisan and should not have been funded with tax dollars were the salary of a political consultant who many longtime staffers say never came to work, thousands of dollars in improper tuition payments to a former Republican legislator, questionable payouts to political advisers for unused vacation and sick time, and money for a Web site that delivered Republican perspectives.
A no-show legislative job, giving themselves more benefits than prescribed and trying to build a partisan messaging website that was supposed to be a stand-in for a vehicle that actually told the people of Delaware about the business being conducted on their behalf. Perhaps that is what they mean by open government.
Majority Leader Pete Schwartzkopf notes that:
Attorneys for House Democrats are researching measures in other states, Schwartzkopf said. He hopes the two caucuses will come to an agreement to approve legislation that would impose rules on Delaware lawmakers and their staffs.
The sooner the better, really. And even better would be if they post their proposed new rules up as soon as they are ready to discuss with both caucuses — so we can all get an idea of what is on the table and perhaps have a chance to weigh in.
ps. This:
Wozniak, who now serves as policy director for the right-leaning Caesar Rodney Institute think tank, received $4,525.50. Brittingham received $6,251.90.
(Emphasis mine) is a WIN for everyone who called out the CRI’s “non-partisan” BS.