My involvement in politics first started at the township level, continuing at the state level to ensure our rural communities and fiscal conservative values of central Wisconsin had a voice in Madison.
The number of bills I voted on to achieve this is too numerous to list, however the results are not. When I was first elected, the state had an approximate $1.6 billion deficit, nearly $0 in the rainy-day fund, and a weak job market with a collapsing unemployment insurance fund. Today, Wisconsin has a balanced budget, a projected $2.5 billion surplus, a rainy-day fund of approximately $2 billion, a strong job market, and our state retirement pension is fully funded and is listed as one of the top 25 pensions in the world.
Votes I’ve taken on the Assembly floor have never been based on trending rhetoric or political partisanship. Instead, they were cast on language within the bill, and how that bill affected the majority of taxpayers, families, seniors, and businesses individually in my district and throughout the state.
Committee hearings and voting on bills were only a small part of being a legislator. It was the quiet solving of constituent issues such as the single mom calling on a Friday afternoon without enough propane to heat her home for the weekend, or the individual having their house foreclosed on because of bureaucratic red tape – both whom we were able to help – that I will always remember.
Thank you to my 98 Wisconsin Assembly colleagues for unanimously electing me as Speaker Pro Tempore over the last two sessions. Although we didn’t always agree on politics, I deeply appreciate the power you placed in me to uphold the integrity of the institution.
Thank you to my dedicated staff in Madison. Jim and Deb Bowers who were in the office my entire tenure. Waylon Hurlburt, Tyler Ellisen and BJ Dernbach as well as all the interns who joined the team as my leadership role progressed and additional staff were required. Your professionalism and dedication were unmatched, and you treated the Assembly district and constituents as if you had grown up there. What started as a job, will be a forever friendship.
Thank you to my friends and extended family for the abundant support you gave me during this journey. Whether it was a sign in your yard, or the help at an event, I could not have succeeded without you.
Thank you to my parents and daughters for all your love, assistance, and encouragement. Countless hours attending pancake breakfasts, chicken barbecues, parades, and so many more events during the years. I look forward to spending more time with you.
Thank you to my wife Michelle for being by my side during over 20 years of Navy deployments and countless nights away in Madison. No matter how long we are apart, you are always waiting patiently upon my return. I love you more than words can express in this or any written word.
Most importantly, to the thousands of voters and constituents in the 57th Assembly District who I would not have had the chance to meet without being elected, thank you for the trust and integrity you placed in me. It has been a privilege and honor representing you in the legislature. I am humbled and honored.
Going forward!
