I was reading Phil Marcelo's story in the Providence Journal today about the state legislators who had joined ALEC but weren't too familiar with the organization. One thing near the end that stuck out was Sen. Walter Felag looking into canceling his membership. I decided to steal a page from Andrew's book and send Senator Felag some questions about this. I know state legislators don't like to answer questions from non-direct constituents, but hopefully we'll get a response.
In the meantime, here were the very simple questions:
1. Why did you become a member of ALEC?
2. Why are you looking to terminate your membership?
3. Are you a member of any other organizations and are you keeping your membership with those?
4. Because you are looking to terminate your membership, are you willing to reimburse the state for your membership dues?
I just sent these tonight, so with the Assembly back in session for the next few days, I'll look forward to a response.
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!
Good luck with that.
Posted by: John at May 1, 2012 8:04 AMALEC's "Stand Your Ground" law aka "Kill-at-Will" has been a boon for funeral industry, here in Arizona.
The vigilante gun nuts are salivating for a chance to kill someone.... legally
"ALEC's "Stand Your Ground" law aka "Kill-at-Will" has been a boon for funeral industry, here in Arizona.
The vigilante gun nuts are salivating for a chance to kill someone.... legally"
Seems like your funeral industry's boon has nothing to do with any 'Stand Your Ground' law and everything to do with President Obama's obstruction of any attempt at controlling illegal immigration.
Posted by: Max D at May 1, 2012 10:23 PMI hadn't heard about ALEC. I went to their web site...looks good. Another member!
Posted by: Mike678 at May 2, 2012 11:11 PMHi!
I hope the media does a story on memberships paid for by tax dollars. In some at least they seem reasonable: professional organizations by town employees such as dept. heads, and other groups for municipalities like the the R.I. League of Cities & Towns or Washington County Regional Planning Council. Every organization needs to be considered whether they are general type organizations or have a distinct political bias.
Regards,
Scott Bill Hirst
Member, Hopkinton Town Council
Hi again,
Two questions should be asked to high ranking officials either elected or appointed:
1. What organizations you belong to your does are paid for by tax dollars and which ones you pay yourself?
2. Do you list all your memberships in the Rhode Island Government Owners Manual and to what extent are you active in them?
Regards,
Scott Bill Hirst
Member, Hopkinton Town Council