Mike McCabe on Public Radio

Campaign Finance Reform discussion with Mike McCabe, director of Wisconsin Democracy Campaign.

Visit http://clipcast.wpr.org:8080/ramgen/wpr/jca/jca061122b.rm

Legislators reintroduce campaign finance reform

See press release here: http://wispolitics.com/1006/061122PocanCFR.pdf

From the press release:

"The bill creates a Clean Elections Fund that provides 100 percent public financing for state political campaigns for the State Assembly, Senate, and other state elections including the governor’s office. A candidate must get a certain number of small $5.00 donations from district residents to qualify for funding. Once approved, they receive a spending limit and amount for their campaign.

As a disincentive for excessive campaign spending, if someone who runs “clean” has an opponent
who spends more, the “clean” candidate receives dollar for dollar up to 2.5 times the original grant. The incentive to keep spending down also applies to “independent” expenditures and “issue” ads on behalf of candidates. These groups spent millions last fall on state races."


For a list of legislative initiatives surrounding campaign finance reform, visit http://www.wisdc.org/legislative_initiatives2005.php

Hintz responds to United Council

1.. I graduated with a Master’s in Public Affairs from the Lafollette School at UW-Madison in 2001.

2. The UW System is the engine that drives the state’s economy and Wisconsin should renew our financial commitment to higher education, rather than balancing the state budget on the backs of students. It’s nearly impossible to rank each major state agency that receives funding. Instead, we should prioritize our funding in such a way that we are able to relieve the budgetary burden placed on our society by the high rates of prisoner incarceration and recidivism, therefore, allowing us to invest fully in public education. We know we have a challenge with an aging population that will require more government resources and a global economy that will require our workforce to have more skills through education. It will be important to balance these needs and live within a reasonable tax burden. A dollar spent on education is an investment that brings many dollars on return. Not all state programs have that same return.

3. I don’t think there is a magic number with regards to tuition increases. You have to take every budget cycle as a whole and go from there. Certainly, it is in all our best interests to make sure we provide access to a quality university system. Recently, tuition has skyrocketed and state government must either stop that trend or get creative and find solutions to make sure the doors of the UW System do not close to those most in need by increasing financial aid as much as tuition. I believe that as tuition increases, we must also increase need-based grants and loans.

4. I believe students learn both in the classroom and outside the classroom. Attending a diverse school not only makes your in-classroom education better, but students also learn important new things about life. Business leaders have indicated they prefer to hire employees who graduated from diverse universities. We must keep the UW competitive. The state needs to address the inequality of its K-12 school system that does not offer equal opportunity to all of its students to bridge the achievement. However, no Wisconsin high school student who is qualified to attend the University of their choice should be denied access.

5. Republicans are trying to eliminate same day voter registration. Wisconsin is one of only a few states remaining in the co

untry to have same day voter registration and we should fight to keep this important aspect of our electoral system. Eliminating same day voter registration would significantly limit student’s impact in elections. I believe that any student who wants to vote should not have artificial barriers to navigate in order to realize their right to vote. Therefore, I support enforcing the current law with respect to voter registration and identification and making sure poll workers have appropriate training, staff, and resources to do their job.


From www.unitedcouncil.net

















Hintz (left) and Westphal (right)

Pung Leschke responds to Hintz (54)

Julie Sets Her Service Record Straight

As your State Representative, I will work with diligence, commitment, honesty and integrity for Oshkosh. My record of leadership and accomplishment in the Oshkosh community speaks for itself. Because my opponent has purposefully misled and deceived you about me, I must give you an explanation of some of his mischaracterizations.

Serving on the Winnebago County Board was an honor. I served a full 2 year term and was elected to a second term. While serving on the Winnebago County Board for nearly four years, I was the voice of the taxpayer by voting against every property tax increase ranging from 6.8% to 12.6%. I voted for cuts, and against increases, in county board pay. The Oshkosh Northwestern called me “a straight arrow” in 1999 and “a strong advocate of change and reform on the board” in 2001. I am proud of my public service, which I juggled while also raising four young sons, a task that any parent knows is not easy.

Because of my meticulous nature and my habit of approaching everything with 110% effort, my dedication to the county board meant my family was suffering. My sons were 16, 15, 14, and 11. With 3 months left to serve--giving others a chance to make the decision to run--I made the difficult decision to resign and take care of my top priority, my family. I make no apologies for prioritizing my young boys at that time.

I also served the Oshkosh Symphony Orchestra (OSO) with distinction for 3 months during a difficult transitional time for the OSO in late 2002. In the short time that I worked, I began the process of reconnecting the group with our excellent UWO musicians, recruited our excellent music director (Dr. William LaRue Jones who remains with the symphony), and dealt with the many challenges that face non-profits. In fact, I did not even apply for the job—I called the OSO office to offer to volunteer! The return call from the Symphony was an invitation to me to apply as Executive Director. The position was presented as a 30 hour per week job, and I accepted the job on this premise. It was, in actuality, a 60-70 hour per week job. Again, my family was suffering.

With three sons now in college (and the fourth soon to follow), I’m seeking reform and distinctive service on a larger scale: state government, which I think we can all agree desperately needs reform.

I am proud of my service in Oshkosh, and I won’t be a career politician who forgets about Oshkosh—anyone who knows me knows I’m not capable of that. I’ll examine all sides of every issue and speak with all affected groups before voting on new measures, as I always have.
I prioritized my family over the last 20 years and would never change that. Your family can count on that same kind of prioritization from me in the State Assembly.

Thank you for looking beyond the negative rhetoric and searching for the truth in this race. I hope to earn your vote on Tuesday and pledge to earn your confidence and trust in the 2 years that follow.

More...

November 2, 2006; Winnebago County Board Chair David Albrecht; Oshkosh Northwestern; Letter to the Editor
"Pung Leschke gave 110 percent to county board"
I must respond to the negative and ridiculous charge recently made by Gordon Hintz with regard to Julie Pung Leschke's service on the Winnebago County Board.
As someone who served with Julie on the Winnebago County Board, I can tell you that Julie served effectively with vigor for reform from 1998-2001. She is the kind of person who does everything 110 percent. Raising a family of four young boys requires a 110 percent, as well, and Julie realized she could not serve her constituents effectively as she would have liked because she prioritized her family.
Who can blame her for that?
It is now 2006, and her sons are all grown up. Oshkosh would benefit from Julie's energy and enthusiasm … and she will give 110 percent as your state representative.
David Albrecht, Oshkosh


November 2, 2006; Music Director of the Oshkosh Symphony Orchestra Dr. William LaRue Jones; "Julie Pung Leschke for Oshkosh" Radio Ad
"Hi, I'm William LaRue Jones, and I'm music director of the Oshkosh Symphony Orchestra. Julie Pung Leschke was one of the individuals I could always count on when she was the Symphony's Executive Director. In fact, Julie Pung Leschke is one of the main reasons I am the Symphony's Music Director."


November 2, 2006; Former Winnebago County Board Supervisor Mike Hert; "Julie Pung Leschke for Oshkosh" Radio Ad
"Julie Pung Leschke was the voice that County Board members on both sides of the issue sought for input and leadership. In fact, she was the leader in demanding more accountability to the taxpayers. I should know, I'm Mike Hert, and I served with Julie on the Winnebago County Board."

from www.julieforoshkosh.org

Palmeri discusses Hintz victory

Gordon Hintz won a decisive victory in the 54th assembly district. He did it in part because of a great showing on the UW Oshkosh campus: 72% support for Democrat Hintz over Republican Julie Pung-Leschke.I'm sure some Republicans will claim Hintz ran a negative campaign. The reality is that the race was nasty on both sides, but Gordon worked hard and was able to overcome huge amounts of outside spending by Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, "All Chidren Matter," and other "go for the jugular" groups. The only way to defeat the viciousness coming out of groups like that is to go door-to-door and meet voters one-on-one. Gordon did quite a bit of that kind of retail campaigning, and it shows in the election results.

I like and respect Julie Pung-Leschke, but she never quite found her voice during the campaign. She never seemed able to see the irony of rejecting the label "politician" at the same time refusing to answer--or taking very long to answer--some basic questions about political reform in the state. And while everyone running for office wants to believe that when they get elected they will be the most independent representative who ever lived, the fact of the matter is that in Wisconsin there is a very high correlation between who pays the campaign bills and what policies get passed. Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, All Children Matter, the realtors, and others attempted to so completely hijack the Pung-Leschke campaign that I think it had a backlash effect: swing voters were able to see all too clearly the attempt that was being made by outside groups to buy the seat and they resented it. After this experience, I hope Julie will become a leader in the much needed effort to reform the way politics is played in this state.

What can we expect from Gordon Hintz? Because we are living in a time when the Republicans win even when they lose (almost all the major issues in our state and nationally are framed in ways that benefit the Republican agenda), I think Gordon (like Jim Doyle) will spend much time trying to restrain Republican excesses. Things that would actually benefit the population (e.g. progressive income taxes, guaranteed health care, tuition freeze, instant runoff voting, ending the closed partisan caucuses, etc.) are off the table in the lobbyists' legislature, but Gordon can still be a strong voice for restoring shared revenue, making sure financial aid keeps pace with tuition increases, and other moderate measures. He will also be much more responsive to local governments than his predecessor, Republican Gregg Underheim, ever was.

For those of us who have spent more than a decade trying to move the politics of the Fox Valley in a more progressive direction, Gordon's victory tonight represents a step in that direction. I guess we'll have to see what he does once he gets to Madison to see how big or small of a step it really is.

From http://talktotony.blogspot.com/

Hintz performing Air Guitar

See the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Opr1pDkdbNg

WMC attacks Hintz (54)

TV Ad Revelas Hintz's Pro-Tax Agenda ( Video )

Radio Ad Reveals Gordon Hintz's Tax Plan (mp3, 2.29 MB)

TV Ad Reveals Hintz's Tax Agenda (Video, 1.20 MB)

Gordon Hintz Opposes Tax Relief (mp3, 2.3 MB)

Hintz (54) responds to '04 loss

Caycee Hess of the Advance Titan:

After losing by a margin of less than 7 percent to Republican Rep. Gregg Underheim, Democratic candidate Gordon Hintz can only look at what could have been. Unlike many congressional races, with the election based on the top two candidates, the third and fourth place candidates had large influences in the outcome of the 54th State Assembly position. Combining 13 percent of the vote, Palmeri and Carpenter both managed to gain enough of the popular vote to take some of the election out of the hands of the leading candidates. In doing so, Palmeri not only took away support from Hintz but also gave support to many issues he is against, said 3rd Congressional candidate Jef Hall. “Tony Palmeri is taking medicine away from the elderly, passing TABOR and is reducing shared revenue,” he said. “Everything he said he is against, he just passed.” Hall believes that despite Palmeri’s conflicting viewpoints with Underheim, he only helped the incumbents cause by aiding in Hintz’s loss.

Hintz said he believes Palmeri ran for office for the wrong reasons entirely, not purely for the people.“Palmeri is just a white guy with tenure,” he said. “I think that he’ll do fine under Republican rule."

From the Advance Titan www.advancetitan.com 11/3/04

Hintz (54) and Planned Parenthood

How did you first become involved in politics?
My parents were both university professors and they raised me to respect public service. My mom worked for a State Senator when I was young and my father ran for School Board. While in High School, I was elected Lt. Governor of Badger Boys State. After college, I went to Washington DC and worked as a legislative aide for both Congressman Jay Johnson and US Senator Herb Kohl. I then earned my Master’s Degree from the LaFollette School of Government at UW-Madison and went on to be a budget analyst for the City of Long Beach California, which had a $1.6 billion budget. I have always been interested and active in government and politics. But after returning to Wisconsin, I realized that the state was heading in the wrong direction and nothing was going to change unless we elected leaders who were willing to stand up for the values of opportunity, fairness, equality, and privacy. I decided that I would make change by running myself.

Why do you believe that women's health is such an important issue for our state?
My mother raised me not just to respect women, but to be supportive of women and understand the value of privacy and the problem of government intrusion in public health. I believe all people, men and women, who want to be allies should utilize our own unique roles in our communities to speak up for what's right. Women's health legislation has been under attack by legislators in Madison for far too long for political purposes. Privacy and health care rights and ethics have been thrown out the window. I believe we have a responsibility to speak up for women's health and that we are impacted by regressive social policy made at the state level that negatively impact women's health. If elected, I will speak up for these important issues.

How do you feel about the recent attacks on access to birth control in the Wisconsin Legislature—bills like AB 343, the UW Birth Control Ban and AB 207, the Patient Abandonment Bill?
I oppose these attacks on public health and if elected, I plan to be a vocal opponent of legislation like this. While my opponent supports allowing medical professionals to abandon their patients, I strongly oppose this legislation. With UW-Oshkosh being the third largest campus in the UW System, I'm particularly troubled by the UW Birth Control Ban that would result in more unplanned pregnancies. I support policies that encourage family planning, rather than attacking responsibility. It is unconscionable that we would allow doctors and pharmacists to make any decision beyond what is in the best interest of the patient.

What accomplishment are you most proud of so far?
As a legislative Aide for both Congressman Jay Johnson and US Senator Herb Kohl, I had the opportunity to directly serve the people of Wisconsin. There's nothing better than giving back to your community. Also, while working in Washington, I saw the inner workings of government and learned about government first-hand. I believe these skills I learned will help me be a better legislator.

I am also proud of making Oshkosh a politically competitive area again after 24 years of one-party rule. When $70,000 of interest group money has been spent so far in the 2006 campaign to try and stop us from taking back this seat, we are doing something right. This was a safe seat where Rep. Underheim was re-elected with no less that 57% for 17 years. Now he has retired and I have the same groups that have been driving the regressive agenda in the State Assembly spending money to try and stop me from bringing real change to this area five weeks before the election. I look forward to the challenge and am confident voters are ready for a change.

What are some of the key differences between you and your opponent for AD 54?
My opponent has no respect for women's health and makes no attempt to even understand the issues related to preventative care, family planning, and reducing unwanted pregnancies. She was endorsed by Wisconsin Right to Life because she supports the attacks on women's health that the legislature is currently trying to make law. She supports the patient abandonment bill and other anti-women's health bills. On the other hand, I recognize that fighting for women is not a hobby; its tough work and I will not quit when the legislature attacks women's health.

Taken from www.ppawi.org

Hintz (54) and Wisconsin Family Action

This mailing caused controversy within the Republican candidate's campaign team:

Pictures taken from http://noontheamendment.blogspot.com

Republican Party Press Release against Hintz (54)

(Madison, WI)…Democrat Gordon Hintz can run, but he can’t hide from his extremism. Hintz, is running for the 54th Assembly District and running from his own extreme positions. On his campaign website, Hintz once bragged about his extreme anti-jobs position. But after a state business group exposed Hintz’s extreme stance, Hintz removed his position from his campaign website. The Executive Director of the Republican Party of Wisconsin, Rick Wiley, says Hintz can’t hide from his views.


“Gordon Hintz has been exposed for being an anti-job extremist,” Wiley said, “Now he’s trying to hide from the truth. Gordon Hintz is proving he can’t be trusted to represent the people of the 54th Assembly District.” Hintz on his website stated he was against the bi-partisan Job Creation Act, even though 80 of 99 members of the State Assembly – including 24 of the 39 Democrats, supported it. According to a cached version of Hintz’s campaign website, Hintz: “Supports protecting the Stewardship fund and preserving farmland. Opposes the so-called “Job Creation Act” and hidden efforts to loosen regulation standards in (sic) supported by polluters and believes that improving the environment and economic development are compatible.” The old site can be found ( HERE ).

However as soon as he began taking heat for his extreme anti-job agenda, Hintz removed the rhetoric. The Jobs Creation Act is modeled after reforms that took place in Minnesota. The Act contains sweeping reforms of bureaucratic procedures without weakening environmental standards. The permitting process will be more timely and predictable. Wiley says Hintz is too extreme for Oshkosh. “Just last week, Menards announced they would be expanding outside of Wisconsin because of too much bureaucratic red tape,” Wiley said, “Gordon Hintz wants to put even more burdens on businesses. How many more jobs can Wisconsin afford to lose if Gordon Hintz gets his way?”

from http://www.thewheelerreport.com

Oshkosh Northwestern interview with Gordon Hintz (54)

Does Oshkosh, as a city and Assembly district with about 65,000 people, have a big enough voice and influence in the state legislature? Explain why you think that?

The State Assembly has not recognized the major role that midsized cities such as Oshkosh play in the economy of Wisconsin. This should not be a surprise since the Assembly is controlled by Republicans from rural and suburban districts who have been indifferent and often hostile to cities such as Oshkosh. In Oshkosh, UW-Oshkosh and Fox Valley Technical College are critical institutions for preparing an educated, skilled workforce. Most jobs are created in urban centers and most state revenues come from cities. We need to have an Oshkosh representative and a legislature that understands the role of cities in economic development and are committed to working with our cities. Too many of this legislature’s policies put cities like Oshkosh at a disadvantage. It is important that we elect someone who understands the relationship between state and local government. I have worked at the state and local level and I understand the absolute necessity for cooperation and coordination. I will be an effective advocate for Oshkosh and other midsized cities by working with their leaders to support legislation that benefit our communities and all of Wisconsin.


How would you propose the state reduce its reliance on structural budget deficits?

As a result of 16 years of Republican Governors, Wisconsin began the 2003-2004 biennial budget with a $3.2 billion deficit, the largest per capita deficit in the United States at the time. While Governor Doyle has made progress reducing the structural deficit, it will have to be dealt with over several budgeting cycles. We need to establish a reasonable plan during the next budget cycles to use our money more wisely, to control our expenditures, and to determine the role of government in the short and long term. The legislature needs to confront the root causes of expenditure increases, not simply move money from one source to another. For example, skyrocketing state and local government health care costs need to be dealt with by systematic insurance changes. Corrections costs are linked to unresolved to sentencing guidelines and the lack of alternative sentencing options. Efficiencies for local government spending could be realized by providing some incentives for consolidation between communities to deal with government fragmentation and duplication.

In the future, it is critical for the legislature to evaluate new programs or tax exemptions for both their short and long term impact. For example, exempting taxes on pensions of retirees, as one of my opponents has proposed, is very appealing politically, but would cost the state hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue that could be made up only through tax increases on working people.


If the statewide referendum on same-sex marriage and civil unions fails, would you favor and/or support new legislative efforts to put a second, future referendum back before voters?

I would not support a second referendum. The state Constitution was designed to define the nature of government in Wisconsin, not to contain amendments on specific fiscal or social policies. The Constitution is simply not the place for such a policy. Republicans in the legislature have been too focused on divisive social issues rather than important priorities like affordable and accessible health care plans and on creating better jobs.


Should the state increase its support of the University of Wisconsin system to limit increases in tuition? Why or why not?

The University of Wisconsin System is an incredible investment for the state. It is a revenue enhancer as it produces educated and trained employees and entrepreneurs to drive our economy. It generates cutting edge research such as stem cell research which can be the basis of life-giving breakthroughs and high technology economic growth. Yet only 28 percent of Wisconsin residents have a bachelor's degree, which weakens the state's economy. According to Chancellor Wells’ testimony against the Republican proposed TPA amendment, only 18.8% of Northeast Wisconsin residents hold bachelor degrees, a percentage that is lower than that of any state except for one.The current legislature has gone out of its way to attack the University any chance it gets, instead of moving forward with a long term plan outlining the direction and goals linking education and employment in the 21st Century. Tough budgets do not mean that the legislature should no longer have a vision for the University system. The University is a partner, but it needs a legislature with a vision for higher education. The University will always receive its income from tuition, grants, contracts, gifts, and state appropriations. My primary objective is that university financial assistance be sufficient to insure that all qualified students can afford to attend a UW institution. Wisconsin's investment in need-based financial aid is very low compared with top-performing states, something that needs to be addressed if we want to increase our skilled workforce.


What can Wisconsin do to better-police election and legislative misconduct like that involved in the state caucus scandal?

The foundation of good government is electing representatives who are committed to ethical behavior and the public good, rather than to the benefit of their political party. But in an imperfect world we need to have binding rules for elected officials. I support Senate Bill 1, proposed by Senator Mike Ellis, that would provide stricter ethics enforcement and be a first step in addressing the current problems with our campaign system. SB 1 passed the Senate overwhelmingly and had enough votes to pass in the Assembly, but the vote was blocked by the Assembly Republican leadership. I also support Senate Bill 46, which would prohibit fundraising during the budget process. I would consider absolute limits on how much candidates could spend on their campaigns. Until the legislature passes meaningful campaign and ethics reform, confidence in our political system will continue to erode.


Does the state legislature need to end or lengthen beyond its 2007 sunset the property tax levy freeze currently imposed on local governments? Why?

Many years ago, the state made a bargain with its local governments. It would collect revenues from local areas on behalf of the cities and villages and then return it to local governments (state shared revenue). It was an efficient way to collect revenue. Over time, a formula was introduced to redistribute the money collected by the state to local governments partly on the basis of community wealth. Poorer communities received a greater per capita share than richer communities. In return, local governments removed items such as machinery and equipment from the local property tax.In 1995, the state legislature froze state shared revenues. In 2001, then Republican Governor Scott McCallum called local government officials “big spenders” and called for eliminating state shared revenues. Actually it was state government that was the big spender. In the meantime, local governments have had to face rising health care and energy costs and wage increases. The result was that as shared revenues dropped as a percentage of local government revenue, it had to be made up by increasing property taxes and fees. In 1995, state shared revenue was 27% of the City of Oshkosh’s budget; by 2005, it had dropped to 19%. The state had simply passed the buck to the City. In 1995, property taxes were about 35% of the budget, but by 2005 nearly 41%.

The 2006 state restriction of the property tax levy – the amount of money collected in property taxes – put cities in a double bind. First, the legislature reduced state shared revenues and kept more money for itself. And then, the legislature placed a limit on the only remaining major source of revenue for the city. We all are unhappy about the garbage fee, but the real villain is the state legislature.State and local governments need to work out a totally different fiscal relationship. If the state is serious about reducing government spending and pressure on the property tax, it needs to address Wisconsin’s high health care costs and provide some tools for consolidation.


Explain what you think the state legislature can do to help seniors and others find more affordable prescription drugs.

There are limits on what the state legislature can do with regard to affordable drug costs because Medicare and Medicaid policies are under the direction of the Federal Government, and the Republican controlled Congress and the Bush Administration have refused to negotiate drug prices with the drug companies. I believe Governor Doyle has worked hard to obtain federal waivers to allow the SeniorCare prescription drug program to continue and, earlier, to make it easier to purchase drugs from Canada. But when the US Congress passes misguided legislation to ban our government from negotiating bulk discounts from drug manufacturers, I have to wonder who the Congress really wants to help.


If you were elected to the Assembly, how do you see your role for promoting economic development in this district?

First, I would work to be knowledgeable about the changing business wants, needs and challenges to grow in our district. This is what we know about economic development and what businesses expect from government.1) An educated and skilled workforce. This requires good schools, good post-secondary education, and good job training and re-training programs and targeted assistance.2) Good transportation networks. This requires good roads, highways, bridges, and transit options that allow for regional mobility.3) Stable legal institutions for contract enforcement. This requires qualified judges and properly staffed courts.4) Reasonable operating costs. This means a competitive wage structure, reasonable taxes, and controllable health care costs.5) Effective and dependable fire and police services. This requires well trained and staffed fire and police departments.6) Good quality of life. Public libraries, parks, recreation programs, and healthy downtowns all contribute to the quality of life.

Government needs economic development, but businesses need the services of government in order to flourish in an extremely competitive economic environment. Initiatives like TABOR or TPA would kill economic development in Wisconsin. This is why major business organizations such as the Madison, Milwaukee, and Green Bay Chambers of Commerce opposed TPA legislation last spring. Locally, Chancellor Wells’ UWO Growth Agenda would not be possible if a TABOR/TPA-like initiative was passed.One of the biggest costs facing businesses and putting pressure on property taxes is health care costs. States such as California, Maine, and Massachusetts already are taking initiatives to provide universal health coverage at much lower costs for businesses and government. Wisconsin could make its businesses much more competitive if it established a single insurance pool and lowered business costs.

Second, in the legislature, I would work to maintain the public services necessary to create a strong business environment and to bring about changes in health insurance that would reduce business costs.Third, as the Assembly representative for Oshkosh, I would maintain regular contact with our business and economic development agencies.Finally, I would be a tireless advocate promoting Oshkosh as a city with excellent educational institutions, public services, and quality of life.


What should be the relationship between an assembly representative and the local governments in their district?

State and local government should be partners working together to provide responsive public services while being sensitive to the costs of these services. Government is a balance between what people want and what they are willing to pay. Probably the worst example of state local relations occurred when the Oshkosh Common Council hosted our State Senator and State Representative at a meeting to talk about the Oshkosh budget. The response of our state representative was “That’s your problem”. The state needs to acknowledge that the reduction in shared revenues is a major cause of increasing property taxes and fees. As residents and citizens, we pay both local and state taxes and we think about government in general, not as separate units. We are in this together. If the state freezes the levy or cuts K-12 funding by $400 million, the city, county, and school district will face service cuts or increased fees or taxes locally. As you state representative, I will work closely with local officials to work collectively on the challenges facing government, not just pass the tough decisions to the local level.


Would you support a statewide move to universal four-year-old kindergarten? Why or why not?

School Superintendent Ron Heilmann has pointed out that children starting kindergarten in Oshkosh range in preparation from being able to read at a fifth grade level to not knowing the colors and basic numbers. Most research has shown that while all students improve with education, the gap at the beginning of schools stays with them over the years. So for many children without pre-school or parental involvement, the opportunity to get ahead has already closed by the time they enter kindergarten. The research overwhelmingly shows that four-year old kindergarten can accomplish a great deal in providing poorly prepared children an opportunity to succeed. This is why other states are moving forward with investment in four-year old kindergarten and other preschool initiatives. I support universal four-year old kindergarten as a goal to work towards, but I recognize the limitations of our current state budget. But in the longer run, not implementing it will continue to add social and economic costs for the state to contend with.


This was taken from: www.thenorthwestern.com -- the interview was from 10/19/06

Oshkosh News Candidate Forum - 54th District '04

Oshkosh News has extensive on-line interviews from '04 with all of the candidates in the 54th district, including '06 winner Gordon Hintz. Click here to see review the candidate answers: http://www.oshkoshnews.org/candidatesforum/debatecomparison.html

From http://www.oshkoshnews.org/candidatesforum/index.html

B2B endorsements

• 54th District -- This is one of the most hotly contested assembly races in the state this year – and one of the most expensive. Though Democrat Gordon Hintz may be the underdog in regard to the size of his campaign coffers, his wealth of academic background and career experience in government roles – along with a bookworm’s appetite for devouring information on any subject of governance – make him the best choice to represent most of the city of Oshkosh.Hintz, a master’s graduate of the Robert M. La Follette School of Public Affairs at UW-Madison and a protégé of local government collaboration guru Donald Kettl, has made a deep investment in Oshkosh since his losing bid for the seat in 2004. He’s become a student of the issues and has taken the time to explore a variety of solutions.

Challenger Republican Julie Pung Leschke hasn’t demonstrated as much desire for the role in Madison, has been slow to take positions on various issues, and once she did take a stand, didn’t stray at all from her party’s platform. Though her campaign didn’t pay for egregiously false ads attacking Hintz, we would have been more impressed with Pung Leschke if she stood up to the special interest groups who financed those ads once they began to air.

• 55th District -- This wasn’t much of a contest. Democratic challenger Mark Westphal maintains a relatively simple view on how to cure woes in state government and the economy. His fix-all solution – to change the current paradigm of health care – doesn’t come with a step-by-step plan for making the needed changes.

ncumbent Republican Rep. Dean Kaufert has served as co-chair of the state’s powerful Joint Finance Committee since 2003 and has a history of experience on the Neenah Common Council as well as working with the state commission on local government funding. We think Kaufert will do the best job to serve Neenah and Menasha for another term in Madison.

• 56th District -- This one’s a bit of a challenge, because – unfortunately for voters in the 56th Assembly District – it doesn’t appear that either of the two candidates on the ballot has been paying much attention to state government in recent years. Both candidates were helplessly groping through the League of Women Voters-sponsored debate in early October.Despite the name recognition, Republican Roger Roth, Jr. is simply a bit inexperienced and inarticulate to effectively participate in the state legislature at this point. He doesn’t seem to have a clear understanding of the funding crises faced by school districts, counties and municipalities in relation to state mandates and revenue caps. He doesn’t understand the larger picture of government’s role in developing the state and local economy.

The same can be said for his challenger, Democrat Susan Garcia Franz. But she does seem to have a more mature and intelligent perspective on the issues, one that’s more original than a recital of the party platform. It’s evident that she has a deeper understanding of the relationships between state and local government than does her opponent.In the interest of choosing one of the candidates, we give the nod to Garcia Franz.

Roger Roth Jr (left) with Republican politicians

Candidates respond to Winnebago B2B

Candidates were asked to prepare responses of no more than 300 words to each question. Their responses are as follows.

1. Economic development professionals have long identified regulatory burdens as one of the challenges to attracting and retaining businesses in Wisconsin. In recent years, several thousand jobs have left Wisconsin headed for other states. What can the legislature do to make Wisconsin a more attractive place to do business, create jobs, and generate tax revenue for local government?

2. In recent years, state legislators have proposed various local government spending and taxing measures intended to hold down property taxes. Some, including the so-called Taxpayers Bill of Rights and the Taxpayer Protection Amendment, were proposed as changes to the state’s constitution. How do you feel the legislature should proceed with such local government taxing initiatives?

3. Our legal system should be reserved to help people who are wrongly injured or misled. Unfortunately, Wisconsin manufacturers, distributors and service providers have faced a more prolific climate of unfair punitive litigation against them, even after they’ve taken every effort to ensure delivering the utmost in quality and integrity. What role should the legislature take in reforming our legal system to avoid a liability crisis?

4. The governor’s Healthy Wisconsin Council is currently involved in three months of discussions to develop recommendations toward providing more state residents with health insurance. What role can the legislature take in making health insurance more affordable and accessible to more state residents?

5. Wisconsin and the nation as a whole are facing an impending energy crisis, as evidenced by sharply increased costs for gasoline, diesel fuel and natural gas, as well as the number of aged electrical generating facilities operating at or near capacity. What can the legislature do to further promote energy efficiency or to encourage additional, cleaner energy production?


54th Assembly District - Includes most of the city of Oshkosh.
Gordon Hintz – Democrat, Julie Pung-Leschke - Republican

Question #1
Hintz - Wisconsin can be a more attractive place for business if we address the issues that businesses and economic development professionals regularly identify as the key factors in relocation and retention decisions. The primary business consideration is the availability of skilled labor. Wisconsin is known for its skilled and dedicated workforce, but as current workers retire, it is critical for the state to maintain a strong commitment to K-12 schools, higher education and job training programs.Wisconsin can improve its training partnerships with area businesses, especially in pre-layoff training. Businesses also need good transportation facilities in order to efficiently reach markets. Wisconsin must maintain its transportation network.Business costs such as energy and health care are of great concern. Wisconsin can enact health care plans that will lower costs for businesses. Our state should encourage more business growth in areas of its greatest research and development strengths, particularly in biomedical and stem cell research.With regard to taxes, Wisconsin has made great strides to lower business taxes, but still has not come to grips with the property tax. On regulation, state agencies should adopt the Toyota cultural model of constantly questioning the effectiveness and efficiency of policies and practices. Businesses should expect prompt and fair regulatory processes.Finally, business leaders value quality of life. If they and their employees are going to live in a community, they want a place with good schools, safe streets, excellent health care facilities, a clean environment, and interesting things to do. Wisconsin should be looking at the business model of Ontario, Canada rather than Mississippi.

Pung-Leschke - As representative of the 54th Assembly District, I would most importantly build and keep a strong communicative relationship with business leaders in our area in order to make necessary changes in Madison for economic development in Oshkosh and Wisconsin. I would convene a local Economic Development Advisory Council, comprised of our local businesses and business groups, UWO, the technical college system, Chamco, OAEDC, labor, and others to develop ways to eliminate burdensome regulation and to support the collaborative efforts between business and education already begun in our area. Regarding previous legislative action, I am supportive of the bi-partisan collaborations (Republican Legislature, Democrat Governor) that have occurred recently in Madison including the Job Creation Act, Jobs Tax Phase-Out, and Brownfield Redevelopment Reform. I will work for similar jobs-promoting legislation.An area that is emerging as a growing problem and warrants more attention is our state’s severe skilled trade shortage. The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development’s chief labor economist said “we’re running into more skill shortages that are keeping manufacturers from adding jobs as fast as they should.” Cultivating skilled workers, therefore, should be a focus in the years ahead. I will support incentives, such as an Apprentice Tax Credit, for businesses who invest in training and I will work toward education initiatives that match education with post-graduation jobs.Finally, the Wisconsin branch of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the nation’s largest small business advocacy group, has endorsed my candidacy because of my opposition to increased business regulations and my support for litigation and tax reform.

Question #2
Pung-Leschke - TABOR, as initially introduced in Colorado, and TPA as most recently proposed in Madison, are substantially different measures. I would have voted for the modified Taxpayer Protection Amendment that the State Assembly passed in the last legislative session. The TPA would have provided mandate relief for local governments by prohibiting the state from imposing unfunded mandates on local government. Unfunded state mandates are often a significant factor in property tax increases. This TPA, then, concentrated on requiring the state to keep-in-check its own spending before putting restrictions on local governments. Wisconsin’s position as 6th highest taxed state in the nation must be addressed. Discussion of implementing state spending limits is an important part of relieving the high tax burden that Wisconsin resident’s face.Unable to budget within the “freeze” restraints, the city council approved an unpopular $120/year City of Oshkosh garbage fee. Referendums on the November ballot will allow residents to communicate to local officials regarding their positions on the garbage fee and their desire to tax above the freeze limit.The current reality is: the state is estimated to begin its 2007-09 biennial budget with a $2.5 billion structural deficit; Wisconsin is a high-tax state, citizens are looking for tax relief and responsible spending; politicians in Madison must communicate and collaborate to find effective spending controls to begin getting our state budgeting under control.

Hintz - I do not support constitutional limitations on fiscal matters such as the Taxpayer Protection Amendment. I believe that legislators are elected to make tough decisions, not to hide behind legal formulas.However, I also believe that property taxes are too high. How much we spend on services is a legitimate issue in Wisconsin. How efficiently services are provided is a very legitimate issue. But we need to recognize that there is a relationship between good services and public expenditures. For example, Wisconsin has very good schools and roads. If we reduce support for schools and roads, at some point there will be a decline in quality. If people think that schools and roads are too good now, then there is an argument to reduce public support.My point is that we need to start by asking what services and service levels we want and then to determine what we are willing to pay. TABOR does not do this. It assumes that we are paying too much and that there are no negative consequences from reductions. This is living in a fantasy world. TABOR also is a one-size-fits-all approach that does not take into account the many differences among communities and the constitutional principle of home rule.At this particular juncture, I would support Gov. Doyle’s proposal to properly fund state shared revenues to municipalities (frozen since 1995) to reduce the property tax burden and provide incentives for local governments that are involved in regional cost-cutting initiatives. Finally, I believe that it is time for the governor and legislature to seriously examine state-local finance in Wisconsin.

Question #3
Hintz - The nature of product liability litigation is complicated and easily misunderstood. Successful punitive actions brought by individuals on businesses are statistically very rare. According to statistics maintained by the Wisconsin Court System there were only 120 product liability suits unrelated to asbestos-based claims filed statewide in 2004. Of these, only three were opened in Winnebago County and none of these have resulted in favor of the plaintiffs. By contrast there were 28,253 civil actions in Wisconsin pertaining to contract and/or real estate disputes – suits that are typically filed between businesses – during the same year.While the problem of juries awarding “lottery” sized damages to litigators and their clients understandably captures the imagination it obscures a far more prevalent phenomenon within the business community. Most product liability actions are settled out of court or dismissed out of hand by a judge. Yet companies still face the burden of legal fees that can accumulate over time if an opportunistic litigator begins to see a particular business as an easy target of nuisance lawsuits. We need to establish a partnership with the state, businesses and the legal community to stop dubious lawsuits before they begin and not after they have taxed the judicial system’s resources.Further complicating matters is the fact that the insurance industry has responded disproportionately to sensationalist accounts of rare liability verdicts by using them to justify rapidly inflating the premiums of all their clients, and not just the ones with the misfortune of facing litigation. According to the Insurance Services Office the industry was able to use this strategy (along with some shrewd investments) to increase profits by 1,000 percent between 2002 and 2003. Wisconsin manufacturers know the best business model is to produce a safe product of the highest quality – unfortunately, their insurers are looking for something else.

Pung-Leschke - There were many reasonable liability reform measures that the Legislature passed in the last legislative session, which I would cosponsor and vote for if elected, but many of them were met with a veto from Gov. Doyle:• Comprehensive Product Liability Reform (SB 58) – would protect manufacturers from lawsuits when the damages are caused by misuse of the product.• Intent Standard for Punitive Damages (SB 447) – would require a showing of intent to cause harm before punitive damages could be awarded in a tort suit.• Standards for Expert Testimony (SB 70) – would allow expert testimony in state court only if it is based on sufficient facts or data, as is the practice in federal court and in most other states.Creating a welcoming tax and regulatory climate is just one step in attracting and maintaining businesses. We also have to take steps to curb the recent disturbing slate of Supreme Court decisions, which have created a liability crisis. Frivolous lawsuits are costing Wisconsin’s jobs and businesses billions of dollars. I would support legislation which would eliminate current obstacles that make it difficult for defendants to retrieve costs resulting from lawsuits determined to be frivolous.

Question #4
Pung-Leschke - From 2002 to 2005, the average percentage of Wisconsinites without health insurance was 10.3 percent, according to U.S. Census data, which means Wisconsin has the 4th lowest rate of uninsured residents in the country (national average was 15.7 percent).While health care access for all of our residents is a worthy goal, I am initially skeptical of several plans circulating that would impose an “assessment” on businesses. There are claims such plans might save businesses money on health care costs, but I am not aware of any completed actuarial studies proving such a claim.That being said, I appreciate the efforts of the various organizations that proposed something tangible. Part of the problem in public policy, and especially in health care policy, is the multitude of conflicting perspectives to consider. Proposed plans are often met with immediate objections, for example the $8.7 billion deficit projected for the Wisconsin Health Plan. However, I understand the discussion must have a starting point, and I will enter discussion on the Wisconsin Health Plan and the Wisconsin Health Care Partnership Plan, both of which were introduced late last session.I believe we need a more free-market approach to affordable health care policy in Wisconsin. Portions of the Massachusetts Health Plan would seem like a good start. For instance, the Massachusetts plan creates a single, consumer-driven marketplace for health insurance for small businesses, their employees and individuals. It also promotes portability by allowing individuals and families to buy and own the private coverage of their choosing and take it from job to job. We will be able to study the effectiveness of plans in other states as we move toward solutions in Wisconsin.The Legislature can evaluate promising and proven free market approaches to health care, like Health Savings Accounts, and build off of it.

Hintz - The legislature can, should, and must take a leading role. Former Gov. Tommy Thompson recently called on states to create health insurance plans to insure the 46 million uninsured in the U.S., estimated between 550,000 and 600,000 in Wisconsin. In a May Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce Survey, 34.57 percent of CEOs said the top concern facing their company was health care.Our current system penalizes companies that provide insurance as they cover the uninsured spouse or family member of businesses who do not. The shift of cost to the employee has increasingly led to individuals forgoing medical treatment to save money and then end up paying more treating a preventable medical problem. And taxpayers not only cover the increased cost of health care for government employees, but also pick up much of the cost of health care for workers who don’t get insurance through their jobs. Many uninsured workers and their families end up on BadgerCare or Medicaid. Others end up depending on emergency rooms, which are heavily subsidized by taxpayers.There are currently a few comprehensive health care proposals in the legislature that address cost and access issues and enjoy bipartisan support. Creating an insurance pool that covers the 5.5 million Wisconsin residents will share risk, allow for efficiencies and savings related to administrative costs, and eliminate cost sharing. Encouraging healthy lifestyles to prevent chronic illnesses, and other consumer driven incentives should be incorporated to reduce costs. Utilizing cost effective community health clinics that offer basic services for shots and check-ups instead of using the emergency room would be another way to save money. The devil will be in the details regarding financing, but a tiered system like the successful state employee health plan will allow for risk-adjusted cost and quality measures and allow for lower, stable and more predictable costs.

Question #5
Hintz - Wisconsin must be equipped for the energy needs of the 21st Century and this will require a transformation of the fuels and facilities that keep our state running. Wisconsin faces energy challenges that it does not primarily control. Some of these issues will be resolved by market forces. However, the state can take steps to guarantee sufficient energy supplies at reasonable costs.First, with reasonable recognition of environmental concerns, the State can facilitate the construction of an electric transmission line from Minnesota and the expansion of natural gas pipelines on existing routes. New power plants in southeast Wisconsin have already been approved. Second, it can encourage “green” practices in its own uses of energy, as enacted by a bipartisan initiative last year. Oil is rapidly becoming a commodity that knows no end of cost or volatility. With regard to ethanol, I believe that market forces will determine the extent to which it becomes a major substitute for oil-based fuels.We need to begin promoting energy efficiency by offering tax incentives to individuals and businesses that take everyday measures to conserve energy. We also need to encourage the creative integration of alternative energy sources into operating models by allowing businesses the flexibility to experiment with bold and innovative ideas.

Pung-Leschke - The Legislature took a huge step in the last legislative session by passing Senate Bill 459, the Energy Efficiency and Renewables Act, legislation that was supported by industry and environmental advocates alike. Since 2003, more than $100 million in utility ratepayer funds have been raided from the Public Benefits fund and used for other government funding. SB 459 protects these taxpayer dollars by ensuring that they are used for their intended purpose of funding energy efficiency efforts, not “stolen” for completely unrelated spending.Currently, 4 percent of our state’s energy demands are met with renewable energy, but the Energy Efficiency and Renewables Act directs the state to lead the way in energy efficiency by setting a goal of purchasing 20 percent of the state’s energy from renewable sources.The legislation accomplished several other strides towards energy efficiency through the collaboration of diverse groups, and I am confident that more progress can be made through this type of collaboration among legislators, utilities, and the conservation community.


55th Assembly District -- Includes most of the cities of Neenah and Menasha.
Dean Kaufert – Republican (Inc.) Did not respond.
Mark Westphal – Democrat Did not respond.


56th Assembly District -- Includes rural northern Winnebago County rural portions of southern Outagamie County.
Roger Roth, Jr. – Republican Did not respond.
Susan Garcia Franz – Democrat

Question #1
Garcia Franz - I think that the State of Wisconsin has a lot to offer businesses in the form of a hard-working and educated work force here. We have an opportunity to look at our regulations on business and compare ourselves to other parts of the country. We need to keep in perspective that Wisconsin is unique in its landscape with over 13,000 lakes and a large tourist industry based on our natural areas. I think the legislature can look at the prime reason for business relocation as well as business growth into the state and work on policies to enhance our business economy.

Question #2Garcia Franz - I feel that putting one formula for local spending in place for all municipalities will NOT work in the State of Wisconsin. Even within the Fox Valley, we have very different fiscal realities between municipalities that would make a one-size-fits-all taxing initiative very difficult to enact. We need to take a look at spending as well as services offered and make decisions that will benefit ALL citizens of Wisconsin, not only those in a position to make financial gains from such decisions.

Question #3Garcia Franz - I think there is a fine line between negligence and accountability and responsibility. I think we need to outline the differences between the two and make sure that in our legal code that we have clear definitions for our judges and legal system to follow and pursue. We need to make sure that accountability is held to a higher standard so that we don’t need to turn to liability.

Question #4Garcia Franz - I think that the state legislature has a critical role in making sure that health care in Wisconsin is accessible and affordable. We have an opportunity in Wisconsin to take a step forward and iron out a plan that will pool employers and also include self-employed, farmers and those in between jobs and underemployed and uninsured. We have much more infrastructure in place to move forward such a plan than a lot of other states in the union. We are poised in Wisconsin to make this a reality if the legislature in the next session gets all those involved to agree to work together to hammer out the details.

Question #5Garcia Franz - I think the legislature has the opportunity to further promote energy efficiency and clean energy production with economic incentives. This will not only impact the need for additional energy but will also stimulate the businesses that are working on emerging technologies to make such energy production and savings a reality.

Roger Roth opposes United Council

From UW Oshkosh meeting minutes:

OSA-00-019(Senate Only)

WHEREAS: The United Council of UW Students has not addressed concerns brought by The Oshkosh Student Association in regard to conduct on the general assembly floor, and;

WHEREAS: United Council has failed to spend general assembly time discussing issues of student concern, including financial aid, academic advisement and especially the State Biennial budget;

BE IT RESOLVED: That The Oshkosh Student Association formally oppose membership in The United Council of UW Students, and;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That The Oshkosh Student Association hold referenda on a semester basis in opposition to United Council membership.

Sponsor: Roger Roth Jr. – Representative, College Republicans

http://www.uwosh.edu/osa/documents/minutes/senate/2000-11-06-Joint-Meeting.doc

Big Money Contributors

Visit the following links for a list of all contributors of over $100 to:


Carol Owens (53) -- http://www.wisdc.org/pro06-102315.php

Gordon Hintz (54) -- http://www.wisdc.org/pro06-104278.php

Julie Pung-Leschke (54 lost) -- http://www.wisdc.org/pro06-104435.php

Dean Kaufert (55) -- http://www.wisdc.org/pro06-102571.php

Mark Westphal (55 lost) -- http://www.wisdc.org/pro06-104517.php

Roger Roth Jr (56) -- http://www.wisdc.org/pro06-104439.php

Susan Garcia Franz (56 lost) -- http://www.wisdc.org/pro06-104497.php

all records from the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign

Carol Owens (53) on Issues

Abortion:

2006 In 2006 Wisconsin Right to Life endorsed Representative Owens.

2005 Representative Owens supported the interests of the Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin 0 percent in 2005.

2004 Representative Owens supported the interests of the NARAL Pro-Choice Wisconsin 0 percent in 2004.

2004 On the votes that the Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin considered to be the most important in 2004, Representative Owens voted their preferred position 0 percent of the time. This percentage could reflect a possible 10 bonus points awarded for what the organization has termed "special leadership."

2003-2004 Representative Owens supported the interests of the Wisconsin Right to Life 100 percent in 2003-2004.

2001-2002 Representative Owens supported the interests of the Wisconsin Right to Life 100 percent in 2001-2002.

2001-2002 Representative Owens supported the interests of the Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin 0 percent in 2001-2002.

1999-2000 Representative Owens supported the interests of the Wisconsin Right to Life 95 percent in 1999-2000.

1998 In 1998 Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin endorsed Representative Owens.

1997-1998 Representative Owens supported the interests of the Wisconsin Right to Life 100 percent in 1997-1998.


Environmental Issues

2005-2006 Representative Owens supported the interests of the Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters 6 percent in 2005-2006.

2003-2004 On the votes that the Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters considered to be the most important in 2003-2004, Representative Owens voted their preferred position 18 percent of the time.

2003-2004 On the votes that the Sierra Club - John Muir Chapter considered to be the most important in 2003-2004, Representative Owens voted their preferred position 13 percent of the time.

2003-2004 On the votes that the Clean Wisconsin Action Fund considered to be the most important in 2003-2004, Representative Owens voted their preferred position 13 percent of the time.

2001-2002 On the votes that the Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters considered to be the most important in 2001-2002, Representative Owens voted their preferred position 50 percent of the time.

1999-2000 Representative Owens supported the interests of the Clean Wisconsin 27 percent

1997-1998 Representative Owens supported the interests of the Clean Wisconsin 50 percent


Labor

2005-2006 Based on a point system, with points assigned for actions in support of or in opposition to Wisconsin Professional Police Association's position, Representative Owens received a rating of 59.

2005-2006 Representative Owens supported the interests of the Wisconsin AFL-CIO 27 percent in 2005-2006.

2003-2004 Representative Owens supported the interests of the Wisconsin AFL-CIO 10 percent in 2003-2004.

2001-2002 On the votes that the Wisconsin AFL-CIO considered to be the most important in 2001-2002, Representative Owens voted their preferred position 31 percent of the time.

1999-2000 On the votes that the Wisconsin AFL-CIO considered to be the most important in 1999-2000, Representative Owens voted their preferred position 43 percent of the time.

1997-1998 On the votes that the Wisconsin AFL-CIO considered to be the most important in 1997-1998, Representative Owens voted their preferred position 38 percent of the time.

From www.vote-smart.org

Gordon Hintz (54) Bio

Born and raised in Oshkosh, Gordon Hintz, 32, attended Longfellow and Washington Elementary Schools, Webster Stanley Middle School, and is a graduate of Oshkosh North High School. While at North, Hintz earned nine varsity letters, was a member of the 1992 Wisconsin State Semifinal Boys Basketball team, and was elected Lieutenant Governor of Badger Boys State.

Hintz received a bachelor’s degree in political science from Hamline University. After college, Hintz worked on the late U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone’s 1996 Senate campaign and later for U.S. Senator Herb Kohl and former U.S. Representative Jay Johnson as a Legislative Staff Assistant in Washington, DC.In 2001, he earned a master’s degree in public affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Hintz worked as a Research Assistant for Governor Tommy Thompson’s Commission on State and Local Partnerships for the 21st Century (Kettl Commission). Hintz then was selected for the prestigious Management Assistant Program in the City of Long Beach, California’s 5th largest city. He went on to work in the Long Beach Budget Bureau as an analyst on the city’s $1.7 billion annual budget.

Hintz, the son of Anne Hintz and former Oshkosh Mayor, Stephen Hintz (2002-2004) owns a house in Oshkosh near where he grew up. He enjoys playing soccer, eating fish on Fridays, and going boating on Lake Winnebago with friends and family. Gordon is a member of Oshkosh Downtown Rotary, a Steering Committee member of the Oshkosh Diversity Council, PROPEL (organization for young adults) and is a 2005 graduate of Leadership Oshkosh. In additional to municipal consulting for Public Administration Associates, LLC, Gordon is teaching American Government at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in the Fall of 2005.

** From www.hintzforassembly.com


He is/was also apparantly an "Air Guitar God": Gordon Hintz can’t play guitar or sing worth a damn, but the 29-year-old numbers-cruncher for the Long Beach Department of Financial Management was destined to rock.

Standing in front of his full-length bedroom mirror, bare feet planted so firmly into the tan carpet that the fibers curl around his toes, he becomes Krye Tuff, air-guitar god. Headphones hold a short ebony wig in place, black spandex clings to his legs, a snug red and black striped shirt is unbuttoned low enough to reveal his navel. His lips are scrunched into a wicked sneer. Positioning one hand near his studded belt buckle—where the guitar’s strings would be—and bending the other toward his shoulder where the neck would be, everything is in place. He reaches down and hits the play button on the CD player, and the reigning West Coast Air Guitar Champion does what he does best.

As the 60-second song plays, the 6-foot-1-inch, 210-pound Tuff jumps around the room in a frenzy, narrowly missing his desk in a series of exuberant kicks. He drops to his knees. He licks his fingers and the song ends. Sweating, Tuff stretches, restarts the CD, and does it all over again.

He did this an hour a day, every day...





From OC Weekly: http://www.ocweekly.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=20379&Itemid=47

Gordon Hintz (54) on Issues

From his campaign website (http://hintzforassembly.com/issues.html)

Fiscal Responsibility: Supports balanced budget through responsible spending, lowering health care costs, reviewing state tax exemptions (individual taxpayer is paying a higher share of total state revenue than before) long-term planning and tough decision-making, not gimmicks.

TPA/TABOR: Opposes risky tax scheme that would cripple our kids' education, reduce police and fire service, and decimate the University system, including UW Oshkosh and devastate economic development in Wisconsin. Joins the Green Bay and Madison Chambers of Commerce, and ADVOCAP, Clarity Care, ARC of Oshkosh in opposing this amendment.

Property Tax Relief: Opposes cuts in shared revenue which have had negative impacts on city services, raised fees, and put pressure on the property tax ultimately resulting in the proposed garbage fee. Supports local control of budget decision making. Supports dedicated revenue source for shared revenue.

Responsible Sentencing Laws: Supports Sen. Carol Roessler’s (R-Oshkosh) Addicted Offenders Accountability and Public Safety Act (AOAPSA), which passed the Senate 33-0. This bill offers alternatives to incarceration for non-violent drug and substance abuse offenders impacted by Wisconsin's mandatory drug sentences and offers the chance of treatment instead of prison for some non-violent individuals

K-12 Education: Opposes the $400 million cut to K-12 funding in the Republican Assembly 2005-2007 budget that would have led to massive cuts or large local property tax increases. Supports making the education funding formula more equitable to address different needs of different districts. Supports funding for the SAGE small class program, and early kindergarten program.

Higher Education: Recognizes UW System as an investment for the state by producing educated and trained employees and entrepreneurs to drive our economy. Supports UW-Oshkosh Growth initiative to increase number of residents with bachelor's degree. Supports long term vision for UW system. Believes financial aid should be sufficient to insure that all qualified students can afford to attend a UW institution.

Concealed Weapons: Support local and statewide law enforcement officials who oppose the NRA’s bill to allow hidden and loaded weapons to be carried into malls, movie theaters, and playgrounds.

Prescription Drugs: Supports the creation of public/private insurance pools to negotiate directly with drug companies and purchase prescription drugs in bulk to save money. Supports Governor Doyle’s initiative to allow Wisconsin residents to import cheaper drugs made in Canada.

Environment: Supports protecting the Stewardship fund, preserving farmland and reducing mercury contamination in our lakes. Opposes hidden efforts to loosen regulation standards supported by polluters and believes that improving the environment and economic development are compatible.

Civil Rights: Opposes writing discrimination into the state constitution in order to deny certain specific taxpaying citizens rights.

Economic Development: Supports incentives for investment in technology, regional efforts along economic borders to attract business beyond local political borders. Support living wage and an end to subsidies for retail development in areas unless they are isolated in depressed areas.

Health Care: Supports real comprehensive health care reform that lowers costs and increases access through creation of public/private insurance pools that lowers health care premiums and prescription drug costs by eliminating the need to make up the costs of care for the uninsured (SB 486 or AB 1140 are good starting points).

Stem Cell Research: Supports potential life saving embryonic stem cell research that might someday offer cures to those individuals and families suffering from Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Multiple Sclerosis, diabetes and other debilitating diseases. Recognizes Wisconsin’s economic growth opportunities in this research industry.

Women’s Health: Supports legislation that ensures emergency contraception (EC) for rape victims. Oppose legislation that allows health care providers to withhold medical care, information, and treatment options, and allows personal religious beliefs to trump patients' rights.

Family Planning: Opposed AB 991, which would have curtailed funding for health care services to low-income women by changing the minimum age for receiving these services. Services include cervical and breast cancer screening, STD testing and treatment, and access to birth control. WI DHFS estimates that the program has decreased teen pregnancy by 15% and reduced the number of abortions.

Election Reform : Supports SB 612 which helps local polling officials ensure that every vote is valid and every vote is counted. The bill increases screening to prevent ineligible felons from voting and authorizes the Elections Board to conduct a post-election audit of people who registered to vote on election day.

Ethics Reform: Supports comprehensive ethics reform (SB 1), banning convicted felons from serving as registered lobbyists (AB 927), and banning fundraising during the budget process (AB 66).

Campaign Reform: Supports iniatives that maintain competitive elections such as independent redistricting, public financing, and full disclosure of independent interest group spending.

This was taken on 11.18.06

Kaufert's Tavern

Bar partnership doesn't quite pass smell test

Rep. Dean Kaufert knew he had a problem on his hands when his buddy and partner in the tavern business, Steve Foti, told him last year that he would leave the Legislature and might seek his riches in the world of lobbying.

Hmmm, a lobbyist and a lawmaker owning a bar together - that would make the do-gooders sit up and give Kaufert the type of notice he'd like to avoid. Making matters worse was the fact that while in office, Foti, who had been the Assembly majority leader, was charged with a felony for using state workers for campaign work. That case has yet to come to trial.

Even a couple of pols could figure out that type of relationship might not look so good to Joe Sixpack, who, by the way, just might be sitting at the bar owned by Foti and Kaufert.

"We both came to the conclusion that we wanted to take care of the problem so there could never be the slightest hint of favoritism or undue influence," said Kaufert, co-chairman of the Legislature's Joint Finance Committee.

So Kaufert, who has owned the Under the Dome Bar & Grill in his Neenah legislative district with fellow Republican Foti for three years, called state ethics guru R. Roth Judd. Judd's unexpected response: It's kosher.

"Because the ownership in the bar predates Mr. Foti's becoming a lobbyist, the lobbying law will not restrict your continued joint ownership and requires no action by either of you," Judd, the executive director of the state Ethics Board, wrote in June.

"I was a little surprised," Kaufert admitted Tuesday. "I thought he was going to tell us that we would have to dissolve it."

One restriction that Judd put on the lobbyist-lawyer partnership was that neither could pour more money into the business. Still, Kaufert said, there could be some folks out there who - despite Judd's blessing - would detect an odor from the arrangement.

He was right. The odor got particularly strong this month when Kaufert said he would sponsor a bill aimed at making insurers pay a chunk of the $600 million estimated cost to remove polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, from the Fox River. The bill is being pushed by a group of papermakers, including Georgia-Pacific.

Oh, did we mention that Georgia-Pacific was one of the first clients signed up by rookie lobbyist Foti? So Kaufert, who owns 40% of the business, said he decided to buy half of Foti's 30% share. Foti's brother Tom, a small shareholder, would buy the remainder of the lobbyist's interest. Kaufert said the deal, set to close Friday, was discussed long before the PCB bill was being circulated in the Capitol.

Good plan - too bad it won't work. Kaufert would be well served if, before reacting to an Ethics Board ruling, he read the entire letter. The last line of Judd's letter states that Foti and Kaufert could sell their interest in the bar to whomever they please, provided it's not each other.

Told of the prohibition, Kaufert stammered a response. "I don't know . . . I don't know what to tell you," Kaufert said. "I'm going to have to talk to Roth. Maybe there will be a little glitch."

Later, Kaufert said Tom Foti may try to buy out all of Steve Foti's share. But, for now, everything is unclear, and the Kaufert-Foti partnership may have to live on.

All this places the duo in the type of ethics web that could be spun only in Wisconsin - where the ethics cops tend to major in minor infractions. "This would keep us partners even though we don't want to be," Kaufert said of Judd's ruling. "We don't want to be partners anymore, because that doesn't pass the smell test."

From Milwaukee Journal -- www.jsonline.com -- 2/23/05

55th Assembly Race Profiles

Election profile: 55th Assembly District
On Nov. 7, voters in the 55th Assembly District will choose between incumbent Republican Dean Kaufert and Democratic challenger Mark Westphal.

The 55th District includes the cities of Neenah and Menasha, along with portions of the Town of Menasha. The winner will serve a two-year term starting in January at an annual salary of $47,413.

For voting information in Winnebago County, call 920-236-4888 or go online at www.co.winnebago.wi.us.

The candidates recently responded to a questionnaire from The Post-Crescent.

Dean R. Kaufert

Address: 1360 Alpine Lane, Neenah

Age: 49

Occupation: Small business owner of All-Sport Trophy & Engraving; state representative

Family status: Married, two adult children

Education: 1975 Neenah High School graduate

Political experience: Neenah alderman, 1985-90; state representative since 1991

Why are you a candidate and what are the key issues? I'm a candidate for re-election because I believe in public service. Living in Neenah-Menasha all my life, I know the Fox Valley and the people that live and work here. I want to make a difference in Madison. I understand that representing the views and desires of the majority of the citizens of the district is my job. Holding the line on taxes, fighting wasteful spending, getting our fiscal house in order, creating and retaining good paying jobs, and making health care affordable are some of the issues.

What sets you apart from your opponent? People can trust that I will represent them in Madison, my strong commitment to the office and the amount of time and effort I put in for the citizens of the district. My leadership and experience means I can get things done for the district and state to make Wisconsin a great place to live, work, play and retire.

Mark Westphal

Address: 945 Hunt Ave., Neenah

Age: 47

Family status: Married, adult daughter

Occupation: Industrial electrician at Mondi Packaging/ Akrosil in Menasha

Political experience: Fox Valley Labor Council president for 10 years; member of Fox Valley Workforce Development Board and Winnebago County W-2 Steering Committee

Web site: http://markwestphal.org

Why are you a candidate and what are they key issues? I am very disillusioned and disappointed with our current Legislature. It has spent far too much time on partisan politics. Many of the more important issues — such as health care reform, economic development, job security and revitalizing our manufacturing sector — have been ignored. Making health care more affordable and more accessible to all of the state citizens. Promote a strong economic development policy that would not only retain existing jobs, but also recruit new employment opportunities that offer family-supporting wages and benefits.

I feel strongly about the need to invest in Wisconsin's public education system, to provide our children with the skills needed to compete in the global economy. I would also like to create a more equitable tax system by closing many of our current tax loopholes and create a system based more on the ability to pay.

What sets you apart from your opponent? I have been a labor and community activist all my life and understand the "bread and butter" issues that affect most people today. I would bring these everyday experiences to the Legislature and provide a perspective that I believe to be missing by many of our current legislators.

From the Appleton Post -- www.postcrescent.com -- 10/29/06

Kaufert's Bid for Assembly Speaker

Rep. Kaufert: Eyes Assembly Leadership Position -- 11/10/2006

State Representative Dean Kaufert (R-Neenah) announced today he will throw his hat in the ring to run for Speaker of the Wisconsin State Assembly.

Kaufert, who served as Co-Chairman of the Joint Finance Committee last session, said some of his legislative colleagues have encouraged him to seek the top leadership post in the Assembly.

“Our state is facing numerous problems,” said Kaufert. “Taxes are too high and we are operating with a structural deficit that needs to be fixed before our state can achieve the economic prosperity our citizens deserve. Wisconsin and the Fox Valley have suffered significant job losses and healthcare is a serious concern for the vast majority of the citizens in our great state.”

“In the aftershock of Tuesday’s election it has become clear to me that voters and the American public in general are looking for change and are no longer willing to accept the status quo,” said Kaufert. “It concerns me to come back to the Capitol and see that the same leadership is in line to dictate the 2007-08 legislative session, despite voters’ assertion that they are sick of having their voices drowned out in Madison by the roar of partisan politics.”

Kaufert, who is well known and respected for his ability to work with members of both political parties, also said that the current tone of Wisconsin politics needs to change. “It seemed that this year, more than any other, we completely lost all civility in our political system,” Kaufert said. “I feel that, now more than ever, we need leaders who can work with both sides of the aisle in the Assembly, State Senate, and the Governor’s office to pass meaningful legislation that will help make Wisconsin one of the best states in the nation to live, work, and retire. If we turn our backs on this call to change, I fear that the outcome in 2008 may be even worse.”

“This weekend I will be talking with my colleagues to discuss my ideas, agenda and vision for the next legislative session and the future.”

From www.wispolitics.com 11/15/06

Kaufert losses bid for leadership

MADISON — The Republican-controlled state Assembly will have to serve as the "last line of defense" against a Democratic governor and Senate, the newly elected speaker said Tuesday.

State Rep. Mike Huebsch of West Salem was elected speaker by the 52-member Republican Assembly caucus following a secret ballot in which he was challenged by state Rep. Dean Kaufert, R-Neenah.

Assembly Democrats unanimously re-elected state Rep. Jim Kreuser of Kenosha as minority leader and state Rep. Jon Richards of Milwaukee as assistant minority leader.

Kaufert said Tuesday night he was disappointed that he lost to Huebsch, but he realized he began campaigning for the position late and many lawmakers had already pledged support to Huebsch.

"I wish I had more time," he said. "Mike has had three months. I've had four or five days."

Huebsch will take control of the 99-member Assembly following an election in which Republicans lost eight seats there but kept majority control.

Democrats took over control of the Senate for the first time since 2002 and Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle won re-election.

"We must come together as a team and we will lead," Huebsch told his fellow caucus members.

During Doyle's first four years in office, both the Senate and Assembly were controlled by Republicans. Now Doyle and Democrats will enjoy majority control in the Senate, 18-15, while the Republican majority in the Assembly is 52-47.

Huebsch said later that he doesn't expect Republicans in the Assembly to back down from their core beliefs, but they will work together with the Democratic-controlled Senate.

What that means is some hot-button social issues that won approval in the past may not be pursued knowing they don't have a chance of passing the Senate, he said.

In his first term, Doyle vetoed bills to legalize concealed weapons, require photo IDs at the polls and a measure to ban human cloning.

Kaufert said the people of Wisconsin want lawmakers to cut through partisan gridlock and work on "the issues that matter," like taxes and jobs.

"We'd better start listening to the people back home," Kaufert said

From Appleton Post -- http://www.postcrescent.com/ -- 11/15/06

Dean Kaufert - 55th Assembly Republican

Born Outagamie County, May 23, 1957; married; 2 children. Graduate Neenah H.S. Trophy and Awards store owner. Member: Winnebago Co. Republican Party; Neenah-Menasha Breakfast Optimists (former pres.); Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce. Neenah City Council 1985-91.
Elected to Assembly since 1990. Majority Caucus Sergeant at Arms 1997, 1995; Minority Caucus Sergeant at Arms 1993.

Madison Office: Room 308 East State Capitol P.O. Box 8952 Madison 53708

Phone: (608) 266-5719 or (888) 534-0055, Fox Valley (920) 729-0521 Fax(608) 282-3655

Email: Representative Dean Kaufert Rep.kaufert@legis.wisconsin.gov Staff: Diane Harmelink Diane.Harmelink@legis.wisconsin.gov Cale Battles cale.battles@legis.wisconsin.gov Matt Kussow Matt.Kussow@legis.wisconsin.gov Liz Boelter Liz.Boelter@legis.wisconsin.gov


District Map: GO HERE

2005 - 2006 Committee Assignments: Committee on Audit Joint Committee on Audit Committee on Employment Relations Joint Committee on Employment Relations Committee on Finance (Chair) Joint Committee on Finance (Co-Chair) Joint Legislative Road to the Future Committee

For a list of bills sponsored or authored bu Dean, visit: http://nxt.legis.state.wi.us/nxt/gateway.dll?f=templates&fn=default.htm&vid=WI:Default&d=indxauth&jd=a55

Organizations: Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce, Neenah-Menasha Bowling Association, Member/Former President of Neenah-Menasha Breakfast Optimists.


Visit http://www.vote-smart.org/voting_category.php?can_id=BS021419 for a breakdown of Dean's positions/voting history on issues

Recent endorsements: Endorsements: NRA,Tavern League, Counties Assoc, Sherriffs Assoc,Grocers Assoc. NFIB, Steam Fitters Local 601, Wisc Council of Carpenters, Wi Pipe Trades, Wisconsin Realtors

Question and Answer from Channel 5: www11.vgt2004.org/a-wfrv/candidate-detail.go?id=4639855

Q: How can you best change the rising costs of health care?
A: Providing Consumers with information to make good decisions, past session we passed the healthcare transparency act, making providers provide costs and success rates to consumers. Also I authored HSA Health Savings Accounts tax deductable for Individuals as another option.(Governor vetoed it.) We need to also provide incentives for pooling (aloowing small groups to join larger pools for better pricing. Continue to support Seniorcare (prescription drugs for elderly) and Familycare, Also workplace wellness programs tax incentives.

Q: How do you propose to lighten the property tax burden?
A: I supported the Property Tax Freeze this past session. Controlling our spending in Madison and putting reasonable limits on all spending will help.

Q: What is your position on a Wisconsin Taxpayer Bill of Rights?
A: Supported both versions last session. Believe that it will not have the support to pass next session. I plan on continuing to support Limits on state spending, but will probably not support TABOR on local governments next session.

Q: How do you propose to make Wisconsin more energy efficient/self-sufficient?
A: By Supporting incentives on renewable energy we will lessen our dependence on foreign oil. We must create programs and financial opportunities for bio-diesel, wind energy etc. I have a proven record of supporting these initiatives in the past

Q: What are your priorities for your term in office?
A: GET OUR FISCAL HOUSE IN ORDER. We cannot continue to have a structural deficit as large as it is. As the chair of the Jt. Finance Committe I have tried to limit our bonding because paying interest on our debt must be brought under control. The problem in Madison is not enough revenue but too much spending. We must prioritize our spending.Government cannot be every thing to everybody. The taxpayers ability to pay must not be forgotten.Also we must do more to help Wisconsin businesses compete and lower our tax burden so companies locate here and retain good paying jobs. Lastly passing ethics reform will be a priority for me, I support SB1 and will insist on a vote next session.

Q: What do you believe sets you apart from your opponents?
A: I have a proven record of working on issues and getting them done. My experience as a local businessman and in local government and my years representing this areas citizens interests set me apart. I work well with members on both sides of the aisle, Republicans and Democrats and believe that we must end the extreme partisianship in Madison and work together to suceed.

Sources: Rep Kaufert's website, project vote smart, channel 5

Ethics Reform Has Enough Votes

Madison - A clear majority of Wisconsin’s newly elected state Legislature supports a bill to replace the state elections and ethics boards with a tougher and more politically independent enforcement agency to investigate and punish violations of state campaign finance and ethics laws, a Wisconsin Democracy Campaign analysis shows.

A WDC review found 52 of 99 Assembly members and 29 of 33 Senate members have voted for or have publicly declared their support for such a proposal – introduced as Senate Bill 1 in the current session of the Legislature. Democratic Governor Jim Doyle has pledged to sign such a measure if it is approved by the Legislature.

WDC’s projection is based on legislative candidate responses to an ethics survey the Democracy Campaign conducted with Common Cause in Wisconsin and the League of Women Voters last summer, as well as votes cast in November 2005 by the Senate and May 2006 by the Assembly that showed who supported and who opposed SB 1.

Those criteria show 81 Democratic and Republican legislators, or 61 percent of its 132 members, support SB 1. Here is the breakdown in each house:

Senate Republicans: Robert Cowles, Alberta Darling, Joseph Leibham, Sheila Harsdorf, Neal Kedzie, Scott Fitzgerald, Luther Olsen, Dale Schultz, Carol Roessler, Michael Ellis, Mary Lazich, Dan Kapanke and Theodore Kanavas (13).

Senate Democrats: Tim Carpenter, Jim Sullivan, Spencer Coggs, Jeff Plale, Roger Breske, Judith Robson, Mark Miller, John Lehman, Robert Wirch, Patrick Kreitlow, Julie Lassa, Robert Jauch, Fred Risser, Jon Erpenbach, Dave Hansen and Kathleen Vinehout (16).

Assembly Republicans: Sheryl Albers, Brett Davis, J.A. Hines, Dean Kaufert, Terry Musser and Steve Wieckert (6).

Assembly Democrats: Chuck Benedict, Terese Berceau, Spencer Black, Frank Boyle, Pedro Colon, David Cullen, Jason Fields, Philip Garthwaite, Tamara Grigsby, Barbara Gronemus, Gary Hebl, Steve Hilgenberg, Gordon Hintz, Kim Hixson, Mary Hubler, Andy Jorgensen, Frederick Kessler, James Kreuser, Peggy Krusick, Cory Mason, Louis Molepske, Thomas Nelson, Joseph Parisi, Mark Pocan, Sondy Pope-Roberts, Jon Richards, Marlin Schneider, Donna Seidel, Michael Sheridan, Gary Sherman, Jennifer Shilling, Christine Sinicki, Jeffrey Smith, Jim Soletski, Tony Staskunas, John Steinbrink, Barbara Toles, David Travis, Robert Turner, Terry Van Akkeren, Amy Sue Vruwink, Sheldon Wasserman, Polly Williams, Leon Young, Josh Zepnick and Bob Ziegelbauer (46).

The criteria showed four Democratic and Republican state senators and 38 Republican Assembly members consistently opposed tougher ethics and campaign finance law enforcement.
The vote of nine newly elected Assembly members – one Democrat and eight Republicans – could not be determined because they did not explicitly answer the question or reply to the survey and they have no voting record on SB 1. They are: Democrat Ann Hraychuck and Republicans John Murtha, Bill Kramer, John Nygren, Jim Ott, Kevin Petersen, Roger Roth Jr., Gary Tauchen and Rich Zipperer.

Omitted from the list of supporters are Republicans Frank Lasee and Al Ott, who voted in favor of a failed attempt to have the Assembly act on SB 1 last May but later officially switched their votes to oppose bringing the proposal to the floor.

Also omitted from the list of lawmakers who support ethics reform is Assembly Republican Eugene Hahn who sponsored SB 1 but then voted four times against efforts to act on the proposal and did not reply to the ethics survey.

From www.wisdc.org on 11/15/06