The Capital Times Editorial: Doyle should resubmit pick

A Capital Times editorial, May 13, 2006

Note: Editorial is reprinted below - Original Link to The Capital Times' site is here

The decision of the state Senate to reject the nomination of Michael Rosen to serve on the board of the Wisconsin Technical College System Board was a political cheap shot that ought not be allowed to stand.

Rosen, a highly respected professor at the Milwaukee Area Technical College with a long and distinguished track record of community service in the state's largest city, has long been one of the more energetic and effective advocates for the state's technical college system. His background, as well as his expertise in labor management issues, made him an ideal candidate for the board.

So why was Rosen rejected?

Gov. Jim Doyle, who appointed Rosen, has suggested that it was nothing more than a "partisan stunt by Senate Republicans."

That's a tough charge. Yet, as the governor accurately notes, "Senate Republicans could give no good reason for rejecting this appointment.

"This is just the latest example of how this Republican Legislature has played disgraceful politics with the confirmations of qualified people," Doyle says. "After years of complaining about how Chuck Chvala handled the confirmation of appointments, they are playing the politics of obstructionism in a way that has never been seen in Madison. The Senate has been sitting on appointments for years, refusing to take them up and do their jobs.

"Right now, there are nearly 80 appointments that are still awaiting Senate confirmation. They have even rejected a hearing for Mike Falbo, a Republican, to the Board of Regents."

We respect the authority of the legislative branch to accept or reject nominations for state boards. In fact, we wish that the Legislature would do a more thorough job of assessing appointments, casting a particularly skeptical eye toward those that might have been motivated by campaign contributions.

But we also respect Professor Rosen, and he has been unfairly treated in this process. The cruel absurdity of that treatment can be summed up by one detail.

State Sen. Alberta Darling, a Milwaukee County Republican, greeted Rosen's nomination with a warm letter that read in part, "I would like to personally extend my congratulations to you on your appointment. ... It is wonderful to know that someone with your talents and knowledge will be serving on this board."

Darling then turned around and, in an apparent attempt to embarrass Doyle, voted against Rosen's nomination.

At this point, we would understand if Professor Rosen chose to abandon his pursuit of a seat on the Technical College System Board. But we hope he will allow his name to be resubmitted by Gov. Doyle.

Rosen is needed on the board. And Wisconsin needs to break the cycle of absurdly petty political gamesmanship as exemplified by Darling's discordant letter and vote and restore this state's rich and healthy tradition of bipartisanship when it comes to filling important positions.

Original reports of this issue:

Partisan Games Played with WTCS Appointment - Rosen Removed from Board

Board appointment rejected
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
May 4, 2006

On a 19-10 vote, the Senate killed the appointment of Milwaukee-area labor activist Michael Rosen to the Wisconsin Technical College Board. An instructor at Milwaukee Area Technical College, Rosen heads the American Federation of Teachers union on that campus.

Republicans said they had privately asked Doyle to withdraw Rosen's appointment, but he refused.

Democrats defended Rosen, who had been serving on the board pending the Senate vote, as a former auto worker who retrained himself after the American Motors plant in Kenosha closed. Democratic Sen. Jeff Plale of South Milwaukee acknowledged that the labor leader can act like an aggressive "pit bull" at times, however.

In a statement, Doyle called the vote a "partisan stunt" by Republicans. He said Rosen was a "tireless advocate" for the state's technical colleges with a long history of public service.

State Educators Support Rosen
The following is a press release from WEAC (Wisconsin Education Association Council)

Partisan politics reigns supreme in the State Senate
May 4, 2006

Today, the Republican-controlled State Senate rejected the appointment of Dr. Michael Rosen, a long-time advocate for technical education and working Wisconsinites, to the Wisconsin Technical College State Board.

WEAC President Stan Johnson issued the following statement:

“The Republican-controlled State Senate sent a clear message to the state’s citizenry today: The input, expertise and experiences of a union member and educator are not valued or wanted.

“I am disappointed our state is losing such a passionate advocate of technical education and dismayed that the political discourse in this state has sunk to this level.”

For more information contact: May 4, 2006
Linnae Riesen, WEAC Communications Specialist
608-298-2339

Other Statements Regarding this Issue:

AFT-Wisconsin: Senate GOP makes swipe at unions
May 4, 2006

Governor Jim Doyle's Statement, May 4, 2006

Alberta Darling's Letter To Michael Rosen, April 27, 2006
(six days prior to her vote to reject Rosen's appointment)