MONROE — Former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson joined Assembly candidate Jon Aleckson at a fundraiser and rally Wednesday, Sept. 23, telling a standing-room crowd at Turner Hall why electing Aleckson to the 50th Assembly District matters for Green County and southwestern Dane County.
More than 45 supporters filled the historic Rathskeller to hear Thompson, Wisconsin’s longest-serving governor, who was elected to four terms.
“Jon was a successful businessman and he doesn’t need to run but he is concerned about high property taxes and whether young people can buy a home,” Thompson said.
Aleckson rallied the crowd around home affordability, an issue he said he hears about at nearly every door in Monroe. “Property taxes are a real problem for most people,” said Aleckson, “I hear about it all the time, especially from seniors who are getting squeezed.” He is calling for a property tax freeze for targeted seniors, so people who have paid off their homes aren’t taxed out of them, and for building more starter homes so young families can afford to put down roots in Green County.
“Seniors who built this community shouldn’t be forced out of the homes they worked their whole lives to own. Also our kids and grandkids shouldn’t have to leave Green County because they can’t afford a first home. The American Dream has to be reachable and retainable. That’s what Restore Wisconsin means.”
Aleckson’s senior tax plan would double Wisconsin’s Homestead Tax Credit now while he pursues a constitutional amendment for a permanent assessment freeze for seniors. His housing plan would put new state and federal housing tools to work for starter homes in communities like Monroe and New Glarus.
Thompson will return to Turner Hall on Saturday, October 10, as a featured speaker at the Republican Party of Green County’s Lincoln Day Dinner. He will be joined by State Sen. Howard Marklein and John Pudner, president of the Wisconsin Faith & Freedom Coalition. The evening begins at 5 p.m. at Turner Hall of Monroe, 1217 17th Ave., and includes a prime rib dinner, silent auction and raffles. To RSVP, visit greencountygop.org.
