For those of you interested in how media can sometimes spin I wanted to post an exact replica of my response to the Journal Sentinel reporters questions. It will be interesting to see what is eventually written about me.
Why are you running for treasurer?
The Journal Sentinel editorial board has called for the elimination of this office every election cycle since at least 1994. Jay Hecht of Common Cause, a government watchdog organization was quoted as saying "the the treasures office has long been a dumping ground for political appointees by both parties". The only power this office has is to reward the holder of it and the political friends of others in power. Jack Voight continued to run his Appleton insurance business all 12 years he was in office. According to a Journal sentinel article from 1994 he wanted it so badly that he risked 45,000 dollars of his own money on an advertising blitz in the last two weeks of a 4 way primary. The job only payed 45,000 at the time. But this office, like the Secretary of state has a tradition of long time incumbency because it is so low profile and no one pays any attention to it. He would still be treasurer today if not for the revolt against anything republican in 2006.
Flash forward to the current treasurer, a part time Boston store clerk, who has fired her chief of staff for "Partisan hiring". They actually rewrote the job description to be able to hire Governor Doyle's wife's former personal assistant. This story thankfully received wide media coverage.
The recent supreme court decision that forces the state to repay the patients compensation fund 200 million dollars exposes the powerlessness of this office. When the Medical Society originally filed the lawsuit, they listed Dawn Marie Sass among the litigants. Upon discovery they were forced to remove her name from the suit as it was determined that the treasurer had no role or responsibility in the disbursement of this money. Some running claim they will be a watchdog of the states funds. Unfortunately, the watchdog has no teeth and cannot bark.
It is for all of these reasons that I am running. I pledge to support a constitutional amendment that would eliminate the treasurer and secretary of state. This has been proposed many times since 1994 by the Journal editorial writers, Tommy Thompson, Representative Scott Suder of Abbotsford and most recently by Democratic Governor candidate
Tom Barret. This idea has a much better chance of succeeding if the treasurer gives it it's endorsement and support.
I have pledged to serve one term only whether or not I am successful at accomplishing this. Ultimately, if this effort succeeds the people of Wisconsin will get the final say in this via the ballot box should this referendum come before them.
Why should voters choose you over the other candidates?
I am a staunch conservative, my motives and goals are crystal clear. I will operate the office in a businesslike and efficient manner. The offices budget in 2003-04 was 4 million dollars. It has tripled to 12 million dollars today according to the Wisconsin Blue book. I will only hire the most qualified people to necessary positions. As a former small businessman I know the differences between wants and needs. Under my watch there will be no funding of anything not completely necessary to the operation of the office.
If elected, what would your primary goal be?
To rally support for a constitutional amendment to eliminate the offices of Treasurer and Secretary of state.
Biographical information:
Age:55
Date of birth:06/21/1955
Other government experience:None
Family (example, Married, two children):Married with three step children and have two daughters from a previous marriage
I owned and operated Wolfendales restaurant in Sussex Wisconsin from 1996 to 2006. I was honored to be listed in deceased Journal Sentinel restaurant critic Dennis Getto in his book "100 Great Wisconsin Restaurants"
I wrote and self published a book of fiction Titled "Except For These Chains" in 2003.
If you have questions I would be happy to talk to you further at any time
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=31245984&id=1320647792&ref=fbx_album ; you can use this for my picture
