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4/25/2008
I'm running to succeed Steve Wieckert in the 57th
The last two weeks have been a big decision time in my family – and I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be running to succeed State Rep. Steve Wieckert, a great Republican representing residents in the 57th Assembly District.
I’m excited and I’m nervous all rolled into one. Nervous about all the planning and work that must be done over the next six months and excited to get started meeting more and more folks in the 57th.
Wieckert’s district is about 2/3 of the City of Appleton plus one adjacent ward in the Village of Little Chute.
If you’re a regular reader of FoxPolitics, you know I’m pretty passionate about the privileges we in the U. S. of A. enjoy – and indeed thrive on. I’m pretty passionate too about the responsibilities we all bear to be informed, effective citizens.
I spent a summer teaching English to students in a college on the east coast of China. One of the lessons in my class was a mock City Council meeting. Everyone had large tags on their chests identifying them as this elected official or that staff member. During the lesson, some of the kids were chuckling and chatting – and I got a bit stern with them.
“Who among you might ever have the opportunity to participate in your government?” I said. The room fell silent. I can’t communicate the gratefulness and joy that crept over me, reflecting on these great privileges, reflecting on our democracy… privileges that so many of us take for granted. Yes, indeed I did kiss the ground when I returned to American soil. You may know the feeling….
Certainly feelings many of us sense today include unease and uncertainty in this troublesome economy. Jobs are threatened, food costs are rising, health care and drug prices are rising as well… and Madison continues to operate as if there’s no problem.
Well… there is a problem – a serious one. I’ve been frank in writing about it over and over. A pretty darn big disconnect in this state budget of ours. It’s a pocketbook issue – coming down to folks keeping what’s left of their paychecks – or… continuing to turn hard-earned dollars over to the government in increased taxes, fees and assessments. One of my top priorities will be to stop the insane raiding of our pocketbooks. That’s why I’m running - to represent the people and the pocketbooks of the 57th Assembly District.
My work in public service includes election to the Appleton Common Council from 1993 to 2003 and three years spent with the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance. I have served on a variety of community boards through the years as well (currently Greater Fox Cities Habitat for Humanity and USA Youth). On the political front, I’ve been active in several Republican campaigns (including many of Steve’s), serving as the Chairperson of the Outagamie County Republican Party along the way.
I was born and raised in Wisconsin, living in Appleton the last 17 years. My undergraduate degree is from Iowa State University (a dietitian in my first life!) and my MBA in Finance is from Claremont Graduate School. (I was fortunate to have been at Claremont during the long tenure of Peter Drucker and took two courses from him. What a thrill. My years there also included the early Reagan years – passionate, learned supply siders at the Claremont Economic Institute advising the new prez.)
Ok, enough of that. I’m looking forward to the campaign and looking forward to digging in to what will be really tough work in Madison. The 57th has become more and more of a swing seat – and it’s going to be a very, very tough race. Be assured. The Dems smell blood.
If you think you’d like to help the campaign in any way, I surely would love to hear from you! Pleeeeze get in touch.
COMMENTS
Best of luck, Jo.
Thanks Seth! JE
Seth Zlotocha (Fri Apr 25 06:29:08 2008)
Congrats Jo! If elected, will you un-gerrymander the Lawrence campus?
Stephen Flynn (Fri Apr 25 03:52:07 2008)
Congratulatons. Running for office can be an adventure. Good luck as you begin yours.
Dianne Herner (Fri Apr 25 07:31:04 2008)
Good luck, Jo. Though, happily, it doesn't sound like you'll need it.
tee bee (Fri Apr 25 07:38:14 2008)
Jo,
Congratulations! From the frying pan into the fire I suppose however. If you win, what will you do with your blog?
dave allen (Fri Apr 25 07:39:18 2008)
Jo, if I still lived in Appleton, you'd have my vote.
Thanks for your encouragement Charlie! JE
Charlie Yonts (Fri Apr 25 07:39:22 2008)
Good luck Jo! I wish I could vote for ya!
Mike (Fri Apr 25 07:49:05 2008)
I should clarify, I said I wish I could vote for you because I CAN'T, not because I WON'T! I'm not in your district....
Well.... I suggested ballot-box stuffing to Charlie, but better yet, will you talk to friends and acquaintances in the district? JE
Mike (Fri Apr 25 07:52:01 2008)
With you 100%! How lucky can we get!!
John Hyland (Fri Apr 25 07:52:40 2008)
Good luck Jo. We can't vote for you as we also have moved out of Appleton, our business however has a great corner location for a sign(s).
Great Bob - thanks SO much. JE
Bob Spahn (Fri Apr 25 08:27:20 2008)
"and Madison continues to operate as if there’s no problem."
That's the problem! I'm overjoyed to see someone with your credentials stepping up to support what's left of our government. I've met Steve serveral times during my efforts to be elected to the State Assembly (none successful), and from what I've read here about you I think you'll be a very close replacement.
Please try to do something about the financial insanity in our state capitol, and best wishes.
Duke (Fri Apr 25 08:27:32 2008)
How lucky for those in Steve's district to have you in the race. Good luck!
Carol Diehl (Fri Apr 25 09:00:48 2008)
Thank you all I appreciate your encouragement and support - more than you know! I look forward to your input on the issues as the campaign progresses. Thank you, thank you.
Jo E. (Fri Apr 25 09:18:18)
Steve's Mom was my den mother when I was in Cub Scouts. I was in the same grade as his brother Jeff. He will be missed, but I can't think of a better replacement than you Jo! Good Luck!
Scott (Fri Apr 25 11:22:08 2008)
Where can we send donations? GO JO GO!
MichaelBina (Fri Apr 25 11:42:51 2008)
The machine rolls on!
Since you are a political consultant I actually take some relief in the
knowledge that candidate Peter J. Stueck will not be able to hire you. ;-)
I'll ask the first position question: Since Wieckert is going through the revolving door (which has now become an arch) what will be your stance on lobbyists?
The campaign is sure to be interesting and I plan to attend any and all local debates with yourself and Penny Schaber.
Lon Ponschock (Fri Apr 25 11:49:59 2008)
With you any way I can help, convince Bev to move into a condo in your district and I will even vote for you, but good luck on that one.
Bruce Sherman (Fri Apr 25 13:25:48 2008)
Best of luck in your efforts, Jo.
C.R. Stevenson (Fri Apr 25 21:06:13 2008)
WAY TO GO, JO! I look forward to visiting you in Madison and am excited to know someone at the Capitol will finally know what's going on. We'll take a yard sign and help you any way we can.
Jane Frantz (Sat Apr 26 05:58:49 2008)
Hi Jo,
Just had a friend send me a link to your site, and I will be checking it daily. I live in Michigan, but have a brother in Appleton I will get the word out to about your running. Good luck, and if I lived there, would definitely be helping you out more!
Diane Gibson (Sat Apr 26 11:33:32 2008)
Way to go Jo!!!! Good luck!
silent E (Sat Apr 26 16:28:12 2008)
Could you please tell us where you stand on ethics reform at the state level,with regard to lobbyists and will you present legislation to repeal the minimum mark up law?
Also, with another republican already in the race before you joined, what are the diffrences between you and Mr. Stueck? Are they substanive or stylistic?
Michael Potter (Sat Apr 26 20:59:11 2008)
As I reflect back, I remember our talks on various political issues and the knowledge and passion you
demonstrated. At times, I was in complete awe of you. Jo, you are that same person today, and I am so excited for you. The 57th district will be a lucky district with you in the assembly. Congratulations my dear friend.
Michael Wright (Mon Apr 28 13:57:36 2008)
I am so happy to hear this news. I
will be in touch, it is an undertaking, but you can do it!!! Wisconsin NEEDS YOU.
Viv (Tue Apr 29 19:29:21 2008)
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