Madison mayor’s say-to-play politics demands deeper disclosure for city business

By Ryan Ekvall | Wisconsin Reporter

MADISON — Your political papers, please.

If Madison Mayor Paul Soglin gets his wish, individuals and businesses soon will have to disclose their private political activity to do business with the city of Madison.

The Madison Common Council will take up Soglin’s ordinance Tuesday night, where it’s expected to pass.

Under the proposal, any business or individual who own more than 10 percent of a business that wins a city contract worth $25,000 or more would be required to divulge contributions to super PACs and 501(c)(4) organizations, which include arms of labor unions, corporations and other “social welfare organizations” that may engage in some political advocacy —  including groups such as FreedomWorks or Organizing for America.

Under law, super PACs must disclose their donors, while 501(c)(4)s have no such obligation. Soglin’s ordinance would achieve a reach-around, requiring otherwise anonymous donors to out themselves. No NSA surveillance, no IRS-targeting required.

Read more at WisconsinReporter.com

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