Green and the TPA

A recent story from the AP has Rep. Mark Green saying:

"I think the vast majority of the people in this state don't have big `R's or 'D's behind their names," he said. "I think they're looking for a leader who speaks plainly and honestly with them, who works on the fundamental challenges that we face in this state..."

The article then mentions Rep. Green's support for the so-called Taxpayer Protection Amendment (TPA). You would be hard pressed to create something that removes the responsibility of our state leaders to work on the fundamental challenges we face in this state more than the TPA. So why is someone who wants to be the leader of our state advocating for it and also trying to claim he will work on the challenges our state is facing?

The TPA takes all of the blame for the fiscal management of our state off of the leaders at the state level. They won't have to develop funding priorities and tell the voters about them because they can blame every cut they have to make on the TPA. It's a free pass for future governors and legislators. If the TPA ever gets passed by the legislators and voters then approve this measure, expect to hear this statement a lot "Gee, I'd love to fund that program but the voters have taken away the funding." And they can say that to cover themselves even if they don't really support the funding.

So will Rep. Green change his tune on the TPA now that we have seen voters in Waukesha, a conservative area, reject the TPA by voting for a mayor that campaigned against it? Interestingly, when Waukesha Mayor-elect Nelson talked about the TPA, he said he believed that politicians should make spending decisions and be held responsible for them instead of hiding behind a constitutional amendment.

Or will Rep. Green heed Jessica McBride's advice that Rep. Nischke, Nelson's losing opponent in Waukesha, should have campaigned on the TPA more in order to win? Take your pick on which way to go to Rep. Green, but I'd take the lesson from a vote total that goes against conventional wisdom.