Madison – State Representative Janel Brandtjen (R-Menomonee Falls) released the following statement in response to yesterday’s Senate committee hearing concerning the reappointment of Administrator Meagan Wolfe:
“Yesterday, Commissioner Ann Jacobs hurled accusations at me, claiming that I tried to buy social security numbers from the Wisconsin Elections Commission (WEC). Not only is this a complete fabrication, but it is also against the law for me to leverage my position to request such sensitive information. In reality, the open records request merely sought information that is already available to the public. Commissioner Jacobs telling this whopper in her official role as a WEC Commissioner and an attorney is an embarrassment. Instead of fulfilling her obligation to provide the data required by law to the legislature, she twisted the situation by suggesting that I was attempting to get my hands on personally identifiable information. This is nothing but a deflection of the poor job WEC has done.
The irony here is thick. Commissioner Jacobs seems perfectly comfortable using her authority as a Commissioner to bash a legislator, yet when it comes to using that same authority to carry out her duty of advancing the vote for Administrator Wolfe’s full Senate approval, she’s suddenly dragging her feet. Her refusal to cast that critical vote could financially hit taxpayers with her obstructionist stance. It’s a real stain on her position.
Commissioner Ann Jacobs’ conduct in these matters is truly concerning. Spreading baseless accusations, disregarding the truth, and failing to fulfill her legal responsibilities all reflect poorly on her suitability for her role. Her actions potentially lead to wasting taxpayer money on legal battles and disrupting the functioning of elections. This is just one of the reasons Wisconsinites don’t trust WEC.”
