Another Republican troubled by a Conflict of Interest? Not anymore. Rep. Stroebel tells a whopper...

Well, we have the most amazing excuse that finally obliterates “conflict of interest” issues. It’s absolute genius, and that’s saying a lot when you consider its coming from a Republican. It’s true these guys are the biggest victims on earth, and always find a way to blame someone else, but still this one comment destroys any appearance of conflict of interest with ease:

jsonline: “There is no conflict of interest in a legislator participating in and guiding legislation that may affect his or her private sector business … It is a good thing to have citizen legislators who have real world knowledge and experience on the issues … making policy decisions."

See?  Stroebel makes the case it's a good thing a politician is personally affected by their own favorable legislation. 

Lord Voldemort with a nose?

The lead sponsor of a sweeping landlord-tenant bill in the Legislature would himself benefit from a provision that would eliminate Milwaukee's landlord registration program. The legislator is Rep. Duey Stroebel (R-Saukville) … one provision would have an impact on a building he owns on Milwaukee's east side … effectively eliminate the landlord registration program, which requires all commercial property owners to record ownership information with the city … having that information allows police and firefighters, as well as Department of Neighborhood Services officials, a way to reach landlords faster.

And that would be bad? There’s more:

Stroebel's building is located just outside the boundaries of another program operated by the city. That pilot program is called the Residential Rental Inspection program and, under Stroebel's bill, also stands to be eliminated. In that program, rental property owners register their property with the city and submit to an initial inspection. Owners are then issued four-year certificates or one-year certificates noting the properties are in compliance with city codes and regulations.

Here it comes…conflict of interest is good:

Stroebel issued a statement saying his sponsorship of the bill did not amount to a conflict of interest.

"There is no conflict of interest in a legislator participating in and guiding legislation that may affect his or her private sector business when the policy is a statewide policy that affects everyone in the field equally. It is a good thing to have citizen legislators who have real world knowledge and experience on the issues, rather than career politicians relying on lobbyists for information, making policy decisions."