With the impending election this November 8, The Sierra Club is working to inform Wisconsin about our endorsed candidates and their stances on the environment. Over the coming weeks we will continue to provide information about candidates from across the state in order to inform voters of what these candidates’ pledge to do to help the environment. Wisconsin faces important issues involving water, air and energy; all of which can be helped by proactive leadership and legislation, making it essential to have people in our state government that will work to address these concerns.
Scott Nelson, D-New Richmond (AD 30)
“Wisconsin has for many years been a leader in taking care of its lands, water and air. The State believes that these regulations are burdensome, but in reality the laws that protect our resources have proven over years to benefit the residents of Wisconsin. Local control is the most efficient and effective way for local bodies of government to protect and preserve our natural resources. Scott is a staunch advocate for local control from his experience at the County Board level. He will continue to advocate for this local control.”
Christine Welcher, D-East Troy (AD 32)
“Currently private corporations can, and do own, municipal water and sewer utilities so what’s the big deal? Well, under the current law there must be a referendum allowing the municipal board to sell the utility. Also no out of state corporations own any Wisconsin utilities. This bill would take care of both of those pesky regulations. The local boards can make these deals and sign away our rights to our water whenever and however they like. That is unless someone finds out about the deal and gets 10% of the municipality to sign a petition requesting a voting referendum within 60 days of the sale being announced. And the purchasing company doesn’t have to be headquartered in Wisconsin anymore.
Whether you think privatization of services is a good idea or not, you should be concerned by how and why this legislation is being pushed. Why are we allowing out of state corporations to dictate our rules and regulations? Just who is actually benefiting from this legislation? Why are they getting rid of the referendum requirement? Because, We the People, are not intelligent enough to make decisions about our local services? Nothing about this bill sits well with me. How about you?”
Matthew Michalsen, D-Lake Tomahawk (AD 34)
“We need to keep our shores and waters environmentally friendly as the Earth intends it to be. We need local control because Madison does not fully know the landscape of the Northwoods. What I mean by local control is a voice in our district to stand up for all municipalities to put our initiatives within the state acts. There is already too much bureaucracy and interpretations of the “law”. What we need is smart initiatives to be addendums within legislation that supports our Northwoods landscape. Water is the most important resource to all societies and is the most essential piece to our district. Without our beautiful waters we would have very little, we need to maintain them and make sure the environment and fisheries are sustained for futures to come.”
George Ferriter, D-Fall River (AD 42)
“District 42 is a beautiful place. While it is habit to think of public natural areas or parks when we consider “environment,” we must also consider what we most often take for granted — clean water, clean air, and our surroundings. Maintaining these doesn’t happen alone. Any money saved or gained by abandoning regulation of environment is a short-sighted windfall with a cost that will be eventually paid for by our health, by Wisconsin’s valuable tourist industry, hunting and fishing opportunities, and by the loss of our irreplaceable natural resources. Policy-making must be based on science and the public interest, not on short term monetary gain, political affiliation or campaign contributions. The environment should not be treated like a for-profit business. As your 42nd District Assembly Representative, I will seek to repeal legislation that has gutted mining regulation and wetlands protection, and will always act to protect, defend, and restore our waters, both above and below ground. Short-term private gain must not be the sole measure of decisions on water, air, and resource use.”
Dmitri Martin, D-Waupaca (AD 40)
“An environmental activist, Dmitri is dedicated to the protection and stewardship of our climate, water, land, and air. He has a reputation for being unafraid to fight for what’s right and backing his words with action. Dmitri has participated in the largest climate change march in history, organized and led environmental presentations, and helped hundreds of homeowners lower their carbon footprint.”
After reading the stances of our endorsed candidates in these districts, we know you will be able to make an informed decision regarding their commitments to protect our environment. As a nonpartisan organization, we strive to provide information in order to educate people about the challenges facing Wisconsin’s environment. The current majority in the legislature has proven it favors polluting industry over public health, wildlife and habitat, so this November it is time to elect environmentally conscious candidates who will protect our state’s residents and natural resources.
This blog was compiled by Jake Levicki, a student at UW-Whitewater and a Chapter Political Intern.