Candidate Profiles
The Monroe Times contacted candidates in area races and gave them the opportunity to submit profile information. The following profiles were returned and are published below as they were submitted. Democrat Mark Pocan and Republican Peter Theron are running in the Nov. 4 general election for the 2nd Congressional District.
Mark Pocan
Age: 50
City/town of residence: Town of Vermont, WI
Family: Philip Frank, Husband
Education: B.A. Journalism - University of Wisconsin - Madison 1986
Occupation: Small Business Owner
Previous elected positions held: Wisconsin State Assemblyman 1999-2012
Dane County Board of Supervisors 1993-1997
What are the top issues facing this district/board/office and how would you work to resolve them?
The top issues I see many of my constituents facing every day are all around helping to boost the economy and creating jobs, issues like raising the minimum wage, pay equity, and affordable higher education. These issues impact the lives of individuals and families across south central Wisconsin working to achieve their American dream. The minimum wage has less value today than it did in 1968. Raising the minimum wage would benefit 28 million Americans immediately, lifting millions out of poverty, and improving our economy.
Equal pay for equal work should be more than just a catch phrase. Wage discrimination has a profound impact on the economic security of our families. Across the country, women make only 78 cents for every dollar a man earns, which equates to a loss of almost $10,000 a year in wages - money that could be used on groceries, child care or educational opportunities.
To correct this, I am proud to cosponsor The Paycheck Fairness Act, which provide women with the tools they need to fight wage discrimination. This wage gap hurts Wisconsin women, Wisconsin families, and Wisconsin communities, and we need to close it.
Today, student loan debt is second only to mortgage debt in the United States with more than $1 trillion owed. I am committed to ensuring more Americans have access to affordable higher education opportunities and that a college degree does not mean a lifetime of debt. I have introduced or sponsored numerous student loan bills in Congress to reduce the burden of federal student loans on the next generation, freeing up funds to buy a house, get a new car, support a family, and pursue greater economic opportunities. I also pushed the U.S. Department of Education to approve UW's Flexible Option program so that many adult learners looking to advance their careers with more education are eligible for federal financial aid awards.
What are other key issues facing the district/board/office, and how would you work to resolve them?
Federal inaction and short-term patches have hurt long-term investments in transportation and infrastructure programs, and only increase the uncertainty and costs for state and local governments. I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to find a comprehensive solution to guarantee stable financing in the future as we make needed investments to fix our crumbling infrastructure.
I support closing tax loopholes that allow large corporations to ship profits and jobs overseas. I have introduced legislation which would end the practice of so-called "tax inversions." Large corporations should not be able to avoid paying their taxes and shift their share on to American families and small businesses.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I believe I am the best candidate because of my record as a proven progressive and an effective leader for Congress. I know how to work across the aisle to get things done for Wisconsin. I hope to have the opportunity to keep fighting everyday for hardworking Wisconsinites who want better schools, a clean environment, and a fair shot at making it in America.
Age: 50
City/town of residence: Town of Vermont, WI
Family: Philip Frank, Husband
Education: B.A. Journalism - University of Wisconsin - Madison 1986
Occupation: Small Business Owner
Previous elected positions held: Wisconsin State Assemblyman 1999-2012
Dane County Board of Supervisors 1993-1997
What are the top issues facing this district/board/office and how would you work to resolve them?
The top issues I see many of my constituents facing every day are all around helping to boost the economy and creating jobs, issues like raising the minimum wage, pay equity, and affordable higher education. These issues impact the lives of individuals and families across south central Wisconsin working to achieve their American dream. The minimum wage has less value today than it did in 1968. Raising the minimum wage would benefit 28 million Americans immediately, lifting millions out of poverty, and improving our economy.
Equal pay for equal work should be more than just a catch phrase. Wage discrimination has a profound impact on the economic security of our families. Across the country, women make only 78 cents for every dollar a man earns, which equates to a loss of almost $10,000 a year in wages - money that could be used on groceries, child care or educational opportunities.
To correct this, I am proud to cosponsor The Paycheck Fairness Act, which provide women with the tools they need to fight wage discrimination. This wage gap hurts Wisconsin women, Wisconsin families, and Wisconsin communities, and we need to close it.
Today, student loan debt is second only to mortgage debt in the United States with more than $1 trillion owed. I am committed to ensuring more Americans have access to affordable higher education opportunities and that a college degree does not mean a lifetime of debt. I have introduced or sponsored numerous student loan bills in Congress to reduce the burden of federal student loans on the next generation, freeing up funds to buy a house, get a new car, support a family, and pursue greater economic opportunities. I also pushed the U.S. Department of Education to approve UW's Flexible Option program so that many adult learners looking to advance their careers with more education are eligible for federal financial aid awards.
What are other key issues facing the district/board/office, and how would you work to resolve them?
Federal inaction and short-term patches have hurt long-term investments in transportation and infrastructure programs, and only increase the uncertainty and costs for state and local governments. I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to find a comprehensive solution to guarantee stable financing in the future as we make needed investments to fix our crumbling infrastructure.
I support closing tax loopholes that allow large corporations to ship profits and jobs overseas. I have introduced legislation which would end the practice of so-called "tax inversions." Large corporations should not be able to avoid paying their taxes and shift their share on to American families and small businesses.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I believe I am the best candidate because of my record as a proven progressive and an effective leader for Congress. I know how to work across the aisle to get things done for Wisconsin. I hope to have the opportunity to keep fighting everyday for hardworking Wisconsinites who want better schools, a clean environment, and a fair shot at making it in America.