Two candidates have declared, so far, for the Assembly 24th district seat being vacated by Sue Jeskewitz. They are Republicans Randy Melchert and Jason LaSage. I continue to hear that there will be other candidates declaring between now and the deadline on July 8th, however we want to begin the Assembly 'Debate' so as to help voters learn as much as possible about the candidates. I have posed much the same questions to both candidates as were discussed in the Senate "Debate' series.
The initial question was this: If you were to introduce yourself to a roomful of voters, what would you tell them of yourself?
Melchert: I am Randy Melchert, and I am a 5th generation Menomonee Falls resident. My great grandmother ran a small café near the corner of Main Street and Appleton Avenue. My grandfather started his law practice near that same corner as well. My mother practiced law there as well. I have lived my entire life in this community and I enjoy it. Except for one thing.
Taxes. While we have "The Best Care in the Air" nearby, the Packers up the road, and a beautiful wonderland every winter, the tax situation in this state is hurting the families of the state. The average Menomonee Falls family over the next ten years will send around $77,000 to Madison in state income and sales taxes. In Germantown a little less, in Richfield a lot more. We have the 7th highest state and local tax burden, the 8th highest gas tax, and the 11th worst business tax climate. Unfortunately the tax bill may rise. On top of our already large spending habit, we could have a $2.3 billion deficit. That's $1,655 of debt for every family of four in the state. We need change now. We need legislators who are responsible, dependable, and accountable.
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LaSage: I am a life-long resident, taxpayer and worker in the 24th district, truly grateful for the support I have received from this community throughout my entire life. When I was a 5th grader at County Line School, residents, led by my Cub Scout Leader, Jim McNally, generously donated money to provide me with a scooter so that I would have a way to keep up with my friends. At Kennedy Middle School, one of the many special teachers in my life, now principal, Steve Bold helped spark my interest in social studies by demonstrating how serving others is a rewarding enterprise. While I was a high school student, area parents came to my aid, as I helped lead the way with a group of friends to promote drug and alcohol-free activities in the community through initiating Youth Future's 1st annual lock-in for middle school students-an event that recently celebrated its 14th year.
In 1998, residents embraced my eagerness for public service, by electing me to the Germantown School Board-an office I was re-elected to. That same year, current outgoing state Representative Sue Jeskewitz was kind enough to take me to Madison for a day to see first-hand how state government works. As a board member, the MacArthur Elementary School community welcomed me, as I tutored youngsters and volunteered at MacFest events. I also worked with Keith Musolff's gifted and talented middle school students for two years. Additionally, as I was focusing on my bachelor's degree in communication and political science from UW-Milwaukee, state Senator Alberta Darling gave me the opportunity to intern for her.
Menomonee Falls also accommodated me for four years at Guaranty Bank and six years at Strong Investments. I have kept involved with area youth for the past six years (and counting) by part-time substitute teaching in the Menomonee Falls School District. I am also thankful to have had the ability to learn even more about the area and enhance my leadership skills through participation in Leadership Germantown this past year.
Now, as a 24th district taxpayer and homeowner, I want to be your representative in the state Assembly, taking my rich experience from the area and championing our shared values-creating jobs through lower taxes, spending and regulation; working to achieve more local control of education and municipal government; addressing healthcare with free market, consumer solutions; protecting individual liberties-while being accessible and willing to listen to all constituents. I realize that some politicians have the tendency to disappoint, letting the lure of outside money get in the way of doing the people's work. Though, if given the opportunity to serve as your representative in Madison, I assure you that my values and character, my ties to the community, and my aspiration to deliver sound, conservative leadership are not for sale.
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As always, we thank both gentlemen for taking time to participate in this 'Debate' and welcome readers' questions for future 'Debates'. Either email those or frame them as comments to this blog.
