Somers---Gov. Walker held an invitation-only, press-prohibited listening session in a meeting room at the village/town hall Monday.
It was one of dozens of similar events that Walker has held around the state in advance of budget preparations. Participants said that about 60 people attended the 90-minute session. Area legislators—both Democrat and Republican—were given the opportunity to nominate people who might be interested in showing up. Walker’s office then issued the invites.
State Senator Bob Wirch could’ve attended if he wanted. But the Kenosha Democrat stayed away, calling it a sham. "I believe in basic democracy and free speech," Wirch said in a WGTD News interview. "Neither of those concepts were practiced by the governor. Invitation-only listening sessions are a sham and con job on the public."
Another Kenosha Democrat—State Representative Tod Ohnstad—did attend. "I certainly wouldn't have listening sessions like that but he's the governor and I guess he can make that call," Ohstad said.
Ohnstad said audience members brought up a number of issues, but that the event did not include any substantive debate. Participants were initially asked what was good about Wisconsin, then how it it could be made better over the next 20 years.
The governor's office did not return a message seeking comment. But Walker reportedly told the Wisconsin Counties Association Legislative Exchange recently that he holds the closed sessions to facilitate thoughtful discussions and to avoid shouting matches.
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