Group makes it easier to monitor state legislators

[babylonsister]

Group makes it easier to monitor state legislators
By AMAN BATHEJA
[e-mail]


In the movie All the President’s Men, a shadow-cloaked informant famously advises a young reporter to "Follow the money."

In Texas, doing just that has gotten a little bit easier.

A Houston-based public information advocacy group recently posted the financial disclosure forms for every incumbent state lawmaker.

While the database has already attracted statewide interest, the people behind TexasWatchdog.org hope it will have a far greater impact in Austin during next year’s legislative session. If a state representative or senator begins pushing a bill seen as favorable to a certain company or industry, the public will be easily able to see for themselves where that lawmaker’s personal interests lie, said Jennifer Pebbles, a reporter for the site.

"There’s a desire for people to look at this kind of information," Peebles said.

Lawmakers are required to list sources of income, investments and potential conflicts of interest annually. The most recent reports cover financial activity for 2007. The forms for 2008 are due in April, according to Texas Ethics Commission spokesman Tim Sorrells.

By posting the forms online, TexasWatchdog.org has made it possible for people to look at the forms anonymously.

more...

http://www.star-telegram.com/804/story/1055333.html

[sonias]

1. That totally rocks!

This is great!

Everyone should go check it out
http://TexasWatchdog.org

John Colby - where are you? This is what you have dreamed about.


:bounce:


Sonia

[tbyg52]

2. Woo hoo! Get the information out there! nt

[sonias]

3. I have my suspicions about this group

You know when they just post filed forms, maybe that part is OK. But I looked into their shoddy reporting on the 6,000 Dead Voters on the rolls in Dallas and their credibility stock sunk to the bottom with me.

This group has an agenda and it isn't good in my book. Here is their bogus story first. Dead voters cast ballots in Dallas County

And here is the Dallas Morning News debunking their story:
Dallas County officials question report about dead voters on local rolls

:grr:


Sonia

[johncoby2]

4. strange group indeed

The 6000 story was real bad. I think they are of the Voter ID type.

[sonias]

5. Too bad - they were off to a good start on following money trails

And then they trashed their reputation quickly.

Sonia

[tbyg52]

6. Wow - isn't that interesting. Thanks for the info! nt