Sexual harassment settlements in WI Legislature show we should have right to know

More often than not, the truth tends to come out eventually. Despite the fact that leaders of both political parties in Madison insist on keeping secret allegations of sexual harassment by members of the state legislature or their staff, those details are starting to emerge. It has been confirmed that former Wisconsin Senator Spencer Coggs settled a harassment complaint with a staff member two years ago. And while Coggs continues to maintain his innocence, it has been confirmed that his accuser was paid $75,000, and that money came from taxpayers. We have also learned that current state Assemblyman Josh Zepnick is accused of drunkenly kissing two women in 2011 and in 2015. Zepnick has apologized, but has been stripped of his legislative committee assignments by party bosses. This is why lawmakers should resist the temptations to sweep under the rug allegations of bad behavior by our elected officials. We deserve, as taxpayers and as voters, to know when those we elect to office behave irresponsibly. Lawmakers should revist the policy to keep secret allegations of sexual assault. As we are learning, those details are almost certain to come out over time.