MADISON (WKOW) -- Republican party of Wisconsin officials alleged a Department of Corrections employee used state email to coordinate attendance at an event to push for the recall of Governor Scott Walker.
A copy of a November 8 email provided by RPW was sent by Wisconsin Secure Program Facility worker Heidi Bloyer to unknown recipients, and encourages attendance at a recall organizing meeting on November 16.
Bloyer's listed Prairie Du Chien telephone number was no longer in service when 27 News tried to reach her for comment. A staff member at Bloyer's state facility said Bloyer's work shift ended earlier Thursday and she was no longer there.
Corrections Department spokesperson Tim LeMond said corrections officials investigate any alleged violation of work place rules, but said it was department policy not to comment on personnel matters.
An email sent all DOC employees Wednesday stated: "You may not use state equipment, including computers and email, to send information regarding political activities or opinions. This includes the use of state email to send information about the recall petition process."
At other public work places, managers were likewise cautioning staff members to adhere to policies separating public work from political campaigning.
In a memo to Madison city managers and division heads, city attorney Michael May said no employee on-the-job can display campaign material, distribute campaign literature, solicit contributions or otherwise actively campaign for a candidate or referendum.
"In my opinion, the Recall Walker campaign falls within this prohibition because it is now a formal campaign to replace the governor," May wrote.
Madison School District Human Resources Manager Bob Nadler said employees have also been informed about prohibitions on the use of district work-hours or district property to advance a political cause.
Nadler said teachers are being allowed to solicit recall petition signatures during school off-hours in teacher lounges, and on public sidewalks at schools.
