GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Thousands of dollars from outside Green Bay, and even Wisconsin, are once again being invested in candidates running for city council.
We are just under two weeks from the spring election when voters will be picking who they want to represent them on municipal councils, county boards, and school boards.
These races are supposed to be nonpartisan, but for a second straight time, special interest money (often referred to as dark money) is being spent on Green Bay city council candidates.
“Having been in office 20 years, my first 16 never seen anything like that,” said Chris Wery, who is running for re-election to the council. “The last four it’s been laughable, crazy money.”
Two years ago, more than $100,000 in special interest money was spent on Green Bay’s city council races.
So far this cycle, at least $66,000 has been spent according to the state campaign finance database, but it appears it is actually much more.
Using the database, FOX 11 found Power to the Polls Action Fund has spent $33,730 supporting or opposing Green Bay candidates. Wisconsin Conservation Voters has spent $33,374.
The groups are paying for things like mailings and door-to-door canvassers.
Open Democracy PAC, based in Washington D.C., is listed for $84, 858 on the database, but it doesn’t list which candidates the money is being spent on. That means the group could be spending money on races elsewhere in Wisconsin. However, voters are receiving Open Democracy mailings and digital ads supporting Green Bay candidates, so we know at least a portion of the group’s money is being spent here.
“I have no control of outside money,” said Jim Ridderbush, who is challenging Wery for his council seat. “What people are spending, I don’t give them any permission to do that.”
Special interest groups can spend their money without permission or coordination from the candidates.
So far, it appears the outside money is almost exclusively being spent supporting candidates recommended by the Democratic Party of Brown County.
“Last time (two years ago) the shoe was on the other foot, they (outside groups) were supporting the other candidates more supported by the Republicans and conservative side,” said Ridderbush.
Just because money hasn’t been spent yet on conservative-backed candidates doesn’t mean it won’t be. Two years ago, for the last council races, outside money was being reported the day of and even a day after the election.
“It’s not going to be one sided,” said Ridderbush. “I think it’s going to be both.”
“I think what we should do as a community is right before the election gather up all the stuff they’ve mailed us, have a big bonfire, burn it all up and send the message you can stick this stuff right up your backside,” said Wery.
Election day is April 2nd.
All but one of the twelve council seats could change.
All but three current city council members are running for re-election. Jesse Brunette, Randy Scannell, and Mark Steuer had their final meetings Tuesday night.
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