This is news for us on the Peninsula because our Representative Kevin Van De Wege has been a member of ALEC, which is a primarily conservative organization that is writing what most would consider “Republican” laws that often are at odds with environmental protection, among other issues that are considered Democratic issues. While Kevin has offered defense of why he has been a member, it seems time for him to resign his post with ALEC or get serious questioning of what he really stands for.
The whole story of ALEC is more of what is poisoning of our political process. A secretive organization (press are not allowed into their meetings) that includes numerous politicians, primarily of Republican persuasion, along with industry lobbyists, that create policy and draft laws that are put in front of politicians who often don’t understand where the law language came from. It could almost be considered, given it’s success in passing it’s drafts, and the power it wields with politicians, to be a ‘shadow government’. It seems that the calls for an end to it’s non profit status, is a worth while discussion. Kevin should really distance himself from this before it seriously damages his credibility and fundraising efforts.
– UPDATE – Since posting this I have found out that Kevin has resigned from ALEC on April 11th. See comment to the post to get his letter to supporters.
OLYMPIA, Wash. — Open government advocates accused a conservative legislative group Monday of falsely claiming tax-exempt status while doing widespread lobbying.
Advocacy group Common Cause said Monday it had filed an IRS complaint accusing ALEC of masquerading as a public charity. ALEC is formed as a nonprofit that brings together lawmakers and private sector organizations to develop legislation and policy.
ALEC says its work is not lobbying.
Filed under: Puget Sound | Tagged: Puget Sound |
I first read about ALEC in The New Yorker. They set up legislation to try children as adults, joining with bail bondsmen and private prisonmakers for mutual profits. Nice long jail terms to be compensated for private profit.
Apparently the design to compete with other countries is to have a jailed workforce at a buck an hour in the US to compete with the foreign laborers currently working. America leads the world in percentage of citizens incarcerated, much due to ALEC.
De Wege damage is done – accomplished. Laws are in place due to his devotion to ALEC that may never be revoked in our lifetimes.
Kevin Van De Wege has resigned from ALEC. The following was sent to constituents who wrote to him via his website:
I have decided to resign my membership from ALEC, effective 4/11/2012.
As a legislator, my job is to represent the interests of all my
constituents, not just those whose views align perfectly with mine.
I have been a member of ALEC since I was first elected to the legislature, and my very-limited participation enabled me to learn more about the organization’s legislative agenda and its stance on issues. I thought this insider’s view would help me to better understand those who do not agree with me politically, and in many ways, it has. However, my membership status is increasingly becoming a divisive issue this year, and I prefer to put my time and energy into efforts that unite our district rather than divide it.
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with me.
Please do contact us with any concerns you may have in the future. I
appreciate hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Representative Kevin Van De Wege