The Monroe Times asked the candidates running for State Representative for the 45th Assembly District to answer a set of questions regarding their candidacy. Their answers are printed here.
Age: 53
City/town of residence: Orfordville
Family: Husband Karl; daughters Kerrie Schmidt and Karlie (Tim) Wellnitz, son SFC Joshua Schmidt, 82nd Airborne; granddaughters Adilynn and Eva Wellnitz.
Education: Associate degree in accounting and graduate of Wisconsin Women in Government.
Occupation: Orfordville Village Board trustee and server at Applebee's in Janesville.
Website: www.Beth45th.com
Previous elected positions held: Orfordville Village Board trustee.
What is the top issues facing this district and how would you work to resolve it?
Economic growth is the top issue, which can be resolved by bringing in new business and expanding existing business. As we put people back to work, it will bring revenue to our smaller communities and add to our tax base. More importantly, families will have security knowing that they are able to provide for themselves and plan for their future. We need to encourage K-12, technical colleges, and the UW system to work with potential employers to educate and train for existing job opportunities in the skilled trades. We also need to focus on preparing the middle-school level to replace the retiring work force in those fields. We need to incentivize businesses with reasonable regulations that do not stifle growth. I will work with business owners and the community to determine how we can better market to employers looking to relocate.
What are other key issues facing the district, and how would you work to resolve them?
A key issue is restoring local control. What I have learned by speaking with people throughout the 45th District and neighboring districts is the distinctiveness of each community and the way overly broad rules and regulations can have a negative effect. We have a very diverse district, and we need to look at restoring local control to reduce senseless mandates from Madison. A fine for an uncovered trash bin in the middle of a gravel pit has little to no environmental or safety benefit. It only serves to harass the business owner.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I am not a career politician but a hardworking community member with a fresh perspective. I have a desire for smaller government - which is a more affordable government - and an ability to make common sense decisions, no matter how difficult. I also know firsthand the struggles of the average family and I understand the diversity within the district, from the cities to the farm communities. I am not working to get endorsements from special interest groups. My number one goal is to get the endorsement of you, the people of the 45th District. I will maintain constant communication within the district by attending local board meetings and community events and will bring the voice of the 45th to Madison. I will use my experience and reasoning skills to create real and practical solutions for our communities.
Age: 53
City/town of residence: Orfordville
Family: Husband Karl; daughters Kerrie Schmidt and Karlie (Tim) Wellnitz, son SFC Joshua Schmidt, 82nd Airborne; granddaughters Adilynn and Eva Wellnitz.
Education: Associate degree in accounting and graduate of Wisconsin Women in Government.
Occupation: Orfordville Village Board trustee and server at Applebee's in Janesville.
Website: www.Beth45th.com
Previous elected positions held: Orfordville Village Board trustee.
What is the top issues facing this district and how would you work to resolve it?
Economic growth is the top issue, which can be resolved by bringing in new business and expanding existing business. As we put people back to work, it will bring revenue to our smaller communities and add to our tax base. More importantly, families will have security knowing that they are able to provide for themselves and plan for their future. We need to encourage K-12, technical colleges, and the UW system to work with potential employers to educate and train for existing job opportunities in the skilled trades. We also need to focus on preparing the middle-school level to replace the retiring work force in those fields. We need to incentivize businesses with reasonable regulations that do not stifle growth. I will work with business owners and the community to determine how we can better market to employers looking to relocate.
What are other key issues facing the district, and how would you work to resolve them?
A key issue is restoring local control. What I have learned by speaking with people throughout the 45th District and neighboring districts is the distinctiveness of each community and the way overly broad rules and regulations can have a negative effect. We have a very diverse district, and we need to look at restoring local control to reduce senseless mandates from Madison. A fine for an uncovered trash bin in the middle of a gravel pit has little to no environmental or safety benefit. It only serves to harass the business owner.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I am not a career politician but a hardworking community member with a fresh perspective. I have a desire for smaller government - which is a more affordable government - and an ability to make common sense decisions, no matter how difficult. I also know firsthand the struggles of the average family and I understand the diversity within the district, from the cities to the farm communities. I am not working to get endorsements from special interest groups. My number one goal is to get the endorsement of you, the people of the 45th District. I will maintain constant communication within the district by attending local board meetings and community events and will bring the voice of the 45th to Madison. I will use my experience and reasoning skills to create real and practical solutions for our communities.