Lake michigan sanctuary - quid pro quo?

Quid pro quo is a Latin phrase that literally means "something for something." The phrase usually indicates an exchange of goods or services of roughly equivalent value.

From a legal perspective, quid pro quo indicates that a good or service has been traded for something of equal value. In particular, quid pro quo is used explicitly to indicate that there has been "consideration" in a contract, meaning that there are goods or services being delivered and that acceptable payment is made for these goods or services. Without consideration, or quid pro quo, for example, a contract may be determined to be nonbinding and invalid.

In the political world, for example, quid pro quo sometimes refers to giving support, financial or otherwise, to a political candidate in exchange for the expectation of direct support for an activity of the political benefactor. Quid pro quo may appear as bribery in these cases and such support must always be tested for conflicts of interest.

Click here for more information about the proposed Lake Michigan sanctuary.

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Guest commentary by Judith Perlman

The Maritime Museum hired Cathy Green in a key position.  She is the wife of Russ Green, Regional Coordinator for the proposed marine sanctuary.

Mrs. Green accepted permanent employment in Manitowoc before completion of the public due process for deciding the sanctuary. That process is now tainted.  We cannot reasonably believe NOAA conclusions in support of the sanctuary are unbiased.

This hire is bad for the community:

• It has the appearance of quid pro quo.  Support the proposal and give my wife a job.  What did the Museum get in return?  
• Mrs. Green can report any and all dealings directly to NOAA.
• Free discussion and dissent against NOAA are stifled.  Who can speak honestly with the Sanctuary Coordinator’s wife in a key position?  The Museum Board is large.  The community is small.  This restraint on free speech extends far beyond the Museum’s walls.
• Were there better qualified candidates?  
• Does this have impact on employees?  Are employees leaving because of this hire?  
• Is the Governor aware of this?  If he is, what are the implications of his involvement in a local institution?
• Did the Greens donate to the Governor’s campaign, or are they expected to?

This country is founded upon due process.  It is what separates us from fascists and barbarians. This blatant violation of due process is an insult to Wisconsin and to our democracy.    

Many people opposed to the sanctuary have wondered who is in bed with NOAA.  Now we know that the Museum is in bed with NOAA, quite literally.  Will we ever learn what other dirty deals have been done behind closed doors to trade away our fresh water and Great Lake?  Unlikely.  

Governor Walker, please tell the Federal Government to go jump in the Lake it wants to control.  Please do not sign the Sanctuary Designation.