The Wisconsin Policy Research Institute

Questions for People in the Brown Shoes

By George Lightbourn

Dear Legislative candidate,

Let’s face it; the State Legislature has become the brown shoes of state politics. As the presidential campaign continues to suck nearly all of the oxygen out of the room, you hardy souls have your hands full getting we voters to turn our heads your way, if only for a fleeting moment.

So more often than not, you are reduced to trying to imprint some slogan on our subconscious – “Oh him, isn’t he the one in the turtleneck who wants to lower the gas tax?”

You’d have to agree, we should know a whole lot more about you. After all, you will be spending plenty of time representing us in Madison and might even have a good deal to say about the condition of our roads and the way our schools are financed, among other things.

While we don’t know much about you, we know plenty about the people we have been electing. We know that they’re not very good at passing budgets on time but are quite adept at increasing the state’s debt. We also know that our government runs better when we have intelligent, thoughtful people running it, people who are able to think for themselves and stand by their ideals. We’re pretty sure you fit that description, so you probably won’t mind taking a few minutes away from knocking on doors to answer a few questions.

      Do you think our roads are in good shape? If not, how would you suggest we pay for improvements?

      Do you believe our health care system is so broken that we should scrap it and start over with a system funded by a 15% payroll tax?

      Speaking of health care, what, if anything, should state government do to control health care costs?

      Should Wisconsin make any change in its tax policies to encourage businesses to expand and add jobs?

      What do you know about climate change and where did you learn it?

      Are you comfortable with Governor Doyle’s new, more open attitude toward nuclear energy? Explain.

      We’re pretty sure you favor bi-partisanship in the Legislature. Name one idea from the opposing party that you like.

      The biggest payment Wisconsin state government makes every year is to Milwaukee Public Schools yet the student performance is dreadful. What are your ideas on how to improve MPS?

      Do you think the gas tax should be increased or decreased? (Hint, see #1 above)

What role should state government play in providing moral leadership for Wisconsin voters and their children?

Well that’s it. That’s enough. We know you have a million things to do. Answer as many as you can and send your answers to the address at the bottom of the page. If you can’t answer any of them… well.

-August 11, 2008

Questions for People in the Brown Shoes

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