Gomers: What's going wrong

FUNNEL CASUALTY: A measure that would have beefed up campaign finance disclosure laws governing so-called independent expenditures failed to clear a funnel deadline at the Statehouse last week. That means the measure is dead for the session, which is unfortunate. Independent expenditures by various interest groups on state and local elections are growing, but it's often difficult, if not impossible, to see exactly who is giving the money. More disclosure and transparency us needed.

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VAUDT RESIGNS: We can't blame State Auditor David Vaudt for pursuing a great career opportunity, but we'll be sorry to see him go when he resigns in May. Vaudt has been aggressive and effective in his efforts to investigate financial improprieties by governmental entities and safeguard taxpayer funds. Vaudt also has done important work pushing state elected officials and lawmakers to adopt responsible budgeting practices.

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ANOTHER SEQUESTRATION ISSUE: Sequestration cuts to the Army Corps of Engineers budget may further delay Cedar Rapids' flood protection efforts, according to a Gazette report. Local leaders are keeping up the fight, but more delay is putting this critical project in jeopardy.