Lawmakers Couldn’t Moonlight As County Executives Under New Proposal

Lawmakers heard testimony Wednesday on a bill that would bar state legislators from simultaneously serving as county executives.

While the bill by Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald would apply to everyone, critics say it’s aimed at Winnebago County Executive Mark Harris. Harris, a Democrat, is running for Fond du Lac Republican Rick Gudex’s Senate seat.

But Waukesha County executive Paul Farrow, who resigned his position in the Senate last year after being elected into his new role, testified in favor of the bill. He said holding both offices presents a conflict of interest — as well as an opportunity to collect two taxpayer-funded salaries.

“Not only is it double-dipping, but it’s an opportunity to create legislation that works in effect for yourself, not for the good of the whole,” Farrow said.

Scot Ross, executive director of progressive advocacy group One Wisconsin Now, testified against the bill, calling it a case of “raw partisan politics.”

“This bill is taking the decisions that belong to voters and moving it to the Legislature,” Ross said.

The bill still faces a committee vote before going before the full Assembly.