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AD10 Candidate Questionnaire
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What issues concern you the most in this newly created district, considering its wide-ranging needs and priorities?
Bryan Kennedy:
The state imposes mandates and restrictions on local governments. The end result of the state’s “big brother” tactics to deal with cities, villages and school districts creates the funding and equity issues we see in a district like the 10th. Some municipalities are equipped to deal with the lack of shared aid, while others struggle to comply with state mandates and to deal with the needs of their residents.
Restoring the state shared revenue percentages and lifting restrictions on cities, villages and school boards will allow local elected officials to do their jobs and to better meet local needs.
Darrin Madison:
First, and foremost, this district needs a state representative that has personal and professional experience with working across silos and communities. My work with Urban Underground and Rep. David Bowen has spanned Glendale, Shorewood, and Milwaukee to increase youth leadership, community engagement, and equity. The policy issues that I have experience with, and am passionate about, are relevant to diverse groups of voters and stakeholders. The solutions to those issues rely on diverse groups working together.
Once elected, I think District 10 will be an example of cross-sector collaboration and policy development that will be known across the state. It's what I've been doing since age 13, based on my values and vision for healthy intergenerational communities. Specifically, better policy to support youth, seniors, sustainability, education, municipal shared revenue and County services are opportunities I will look for in Madison.
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Milwaukee County has experienced severe health inequality in many ways; how has it impacted this particular area and how do you think we should mitigate disparity in health outcomes?
Bryan Kennedy:
As a Mayor, I have worked with County Executive Crowley in his efforts to make Milwaukee County the healthiest county in Wisconsin by achieving racial equity. When we work to dismantle institutional and structural racism, foster greater inclusion, and fund health programming that provides for those who have the greatest need, we can close the disparity gap in health outcomes. This program is making great strides in the county. A model like what we are doing in Milwaukee County taken to a state level is the prototype to mitigate disparities among other populations in the state—African American, Latino, Tribal, et al.
Darrin Madison:
I am a stronger candidate in this area. We can't always look for more money- first we have to leverage the available resources by increasing diversity in representation and community leadership. All residents can see the issues from their perspectives, the people most impacted have the most insight to offer. I am experienced in this type of policy and budget development. While I plan to fight for equitable policy in Madison with my colleagues, I will be an accountability partner locally to ensure that ongoing education and action leads to better outcomes.
I was 12 votes short of being elected as County Board Supervisor- the years I spent preparing for that role will allow me to work strategically with counties to leverage all available resources for health, equity, and safety in our district, and across the state. My focus on social determinants of health will inform policy that I introduce and support so that all communities have access to affordable health care and a clean environment.
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What can the legislature do to aid economic and small business development in this district?
Bryan Kennedy:
I serve on the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District Commission. MMSD policy prioritizes small, women-owned and minority-owned business enterprises (SWMBE) in its contracting. Creating state policies that encourage the same prioritization will assist the growth of small businesses. In addition, the state should utilize the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation as a type of state-run Small Business Association. Instead of handouts to large corporations, WEDC should prioritize SWMBE, as well.
Darrin Madison:
Wisconsin has some strong policy in this area, TIF law, in particular. Local resistance to change, and unproductive partnerships or lack of coordination can prevent districts from taking advantage of these opportunities. It's obviously the Legislature's job to pass policy, however, it's my job to make sure that my district knows how to access the allocated funds or tools to support the local economy. I have seen state electeds be effective in advocating at both levels and that is what I will do. I have relationships throughout the region to support non-traditional partnerships to address some of the barriers for small businesses, workforce development, and equitable and sustainable economic development. I have collaborated with every type of elected official on advancing equitable communities. I have been part of very diverse teams without feeling the need to call attention to that. It's natural for me.
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It is very likely that anyone elected to represent this district will vote in a similar manner to other candidates. What can you particularly do to make an impact in the legislature and the state, given that Democrats are in a rather powerless minority?
Bryan Kennedy:
I have built relationships with Republicans in the legislature in order to get things for the City of Glendale. As an active member of the League of Municipalities, I have worked with Mayors in both parties. I plan to engage other local elected officials (mayors, alders, county supervisors, school board members, et al) serving in the Assembly and work with members of both parties to pursue issues of local impact. I believe I can build coalitions to make bipartisan changes in those areas.
Darrin Madison:
It's not only about how we vote, it's about how we work and share leadership to arrive at the best outcome. I actually would argue that my particular experience doing policy advocacy at the local, state, and national levels of government provides a niche in the assembly to introduce legislation that brings innovation to the state of Wisconsin. I’ve worked with Legislators throughout the country that have passed legislation with bipartisan support that have been effective in equitably impacting their municipalities, states, and our country.
This is possible in our state because there is bi-partisan support for climate action in our state as it relates to community solar, the conversion of greenhouse gasses into renewable energy, and building a realistic green career pipeline in our state. What’s missing is a racial equity lens.
What I’ll bring to the state capital that no one else in this race can bring is a bold progressive strategy to build diverse bi-partisan coalitions to take action that will benefit all Wisconsinites and ensure the working-class and other marginalized communities are protected. Lastly when actions that attack our most marginalized communities are being taken whether that is on the legislative floor or directly in our District, I will be there as stakeholder and effective consensus builder. This is the kind of leader I am.
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What issues concern you the most in this newly created district, considering its wide-ranging needs and priorities?
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Lieutenant Governor Questionnaire
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What role does the Lieutenant Governor have in promoting the state – what new areas do we need to explore in promotion of business, residency, and tourism?
Peng Her:
As Lieutenant Governor, I will be a strong partner to Governor Evers and his administration. I would look forward to hearing from the Governor regarding the areas on which he’d like me to focus my skills and experience. As an immigrant, and as a member of Wisconsin’s growing Hmong Community, I would advocate for a role in helpful in ensuring Wisconsin is a welcoming place to immigrants. Our policies – for example on driver’s licenses – should be a signal to immigrants that we value their contributions and potential to help enrich the culture and energize the economy of our State.
Sara Rodriguez:
As Lieutenant Governor two areas I want to focus on are entrepreneurship and the environment. Wisconsin has one of the lowest rates for startup businesses/entrepreneurs in the country. Increasing business mentorship programs, access to startup funding in the form of grants and investment capital, and supporting and expanding existing regional economic development programs will enable more Wisconsinites to launch and grow successful businesses.
Addressing health care costs - one of the biggest concerns identified by those thinking of starting a business – will help remove barriers to new business development. Working together with public and private entities, we can capitalize on federal, state and private funding and programs to create an environment that not only allows current residents to remain in Wisconsin earning family supporting wages, but attracts new residents to our state.
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How can you build on the advances made in Mandela Barnes’ administration in the areas of sustainability and green infrastructure?
Peng Her:
My background and experience will enable me to build on that legacy. As an avid outdoors person, I know firsthand what happens if we do not take action to protect the environment. As a scientist I understand the science of global warming and I know it is an existential threat to our world. We must reduce our CO2 emissions.
I have worked with communities, and communities of color, on issues including PCBs and PFAS. I led an initiative to help address PCB’s in the drinking water in Madison. I also successfully advocated for the Madison Water Utility to create a comprehensive plan to address well contamination. I oversaw the operations of a building that was constructed to Platinum LEED standards and that included solar, geothermal heat to heat concrete floor, and the capture of rainwater from the roof of the building into 20,000-gallon underground tank.
We need to continue to ignite the green economy including job creation through manufacturing wind turbines and solar panels in Wisconsin. Wisconsin, and the US, should be a leader in fighting climate change. I look forward to working with Governor Evers to build Wisconsin’s sustainable future for our children and grandchildren.
Sara Rodriguez:
Our current Lt. Governor, Mandela Barnes, has championed Wisconsin’s environment, and I would like to continue to build upon his work. My family and I are avid hikers, bikers and campers. We love Wisconsin’s environment and I want to make sure that we protect our state’s valuable natural resources. As Lieutenant Governor I will to work to safeguard our state’s unique ecosystems, upon which so much of our economy, health, recreation, and general quality of life depend.
As Wisconsin begins to implement and allocate infrastructure funds, I believe it is critical that we do so in a way that doesn’t just repair the infrastructure from our past, but anticipates 21st century infrastructure needs. I personally drive an electric vehicle and know that in order for Wisconsin to make this a realistic option for residents, we need to expand Wisconsin’s EV infrastructure network, and prepare our workforce for electrification jobs and career pathways.
Additionally, we need to address critical water infrastructure needs and drinking water improvements, and storm and wastewater improvements; invest in mass transit and mobility solutions; improve state and local parks and trails to enhance tourism and boost the outdoor recreation industry; eliminate inequities in access to broadband for households, farmers and other small businesses; and focus on housing in underserved rural and urban areas of our state.
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In what additional policy areas can the Lieutenant Governor lead and have an impact of value to Wisconsin voters, recognizing that the needs in rural and urban areas sometimes but not always overlap?
In addition we must protect our democracy. It is our responsibility to advocate for policies and strategy that expand access to voting rights, including, expanded early voting and highlighting inequities and inequalities of re-entry restoration. Wisconsin deserves leadership who will center building relationships with our communities. Creating collective strategies developed and executed by the impacted.
Peng Her:
There is one very important issue affecting both rural and urban areas and on which the Lieutenant Governor can have an impact. Access to broadband is no longer something just “nice” to have: it is a necessity for businesses, students, and employers throughout Wisconsin. Estimates are that about 1.3 million Wisconsin households either don’t have access to or cannot afford high speed internet. The problem exists in both rural and urban areas.
Both Republicans and Democrats in the legislature recognize the need for the State to invest in this area and to create public-private partnerships do so. My background and career have shown I can bring people together to find common ground, to develop collaborative solutions, and to solve tough problems. I would make broadband a public utility.
Additionally, there is a childcare shortage throughout Wisconsin. Research shows that for every dollar invested in high-quality early childhood education, society gains up to $7.30 in economic returns over the long term. Because of my expertise and passion in early education, Governor Evers appointed me to his Early Childhood Advisory Committee and his transition team on What’s Best for Kids Advisory Council focused on policy related to children and family.
Sara Rodriguez:
With my strong background in healthcare, ranging from direct patient care to executive level healthcare management, I know we must address the caregiver shortage that is affecting Wisconsin and our nation. As a nurse, I believe that no one should have to go into debt just to get the medical care they need. In the Assembly, I led the fight to expand BadgerCare, and as Lieutenant Governor I will continue to fight for affordable, quality health care access for all. As a public health professional, I view many issues through the lens of public health, including gun violence and community safety, mental health and substance abuse, and climate change. The pandemic once again exposed the disparities in access to care and the inequities that exist within our healthcare system. As Lieutenant Governor I will work every day to address the unique challenges residents of our state face in accessing the health care they need, and will fight every day to improve the quality of life for every person in Wisconsin.
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What in your background and value system makes you the Lieutenant Governor that Wisconsin needs now?
Peng Her:
I will lift up the voices of all Wisconsinites to make our State stronger, fairer, and more welcoming. I am a first generation American. I was born in Laos in 1971 during the Vietnam War. My father was a schoolteacher before having to join the army and my mother took care of the family farm while raising my five siblings and me. Because of the Hmong’s alliance with the United States during the war, we were targeted for genocide. My family fled our home.
After living in a refugee camp in Thailand, we emigrated to America. On December 12, 1976, we landed in Des Moines, Iowa and 10 years later became United States citizens. I put myself through college and graduate school, earning my master’s in Physics at DePaul University. My wife and I have three children, two in college and one in high school.
My children are living proof that the American dream endures. My values are Wisconsin values: hard work, respect for your neighbors, faith, and a commitment to fair play and equal opportunity. Those are the values, and that is the life experience, that makes me the Lt. Governor Wisconsin needs now.
Sara Rodriguez:
I was born and raised in Wisconsin. I love Wisconsin. My roots run deep with grandparents who operated a small dairy farm in Richland County where my mom went to school in a one room school house through 8th grade. I still have family in Wisconsin and Minnesota that operate family farms, and I want to ensure our rural and farm communities have access to resource to continue the generations long legacy of sustainable farming. I moved away for college, but returned to help care for my father who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in his 60’s. He was a Vietnam veteran, and even with my healthcare background it was challenging to get him the care he needed. I want to make sure no other family in Wisconsin has to face those same barriers to accessing the care they or their loved ones have earned and deserve. I feel fortunate to have been raised in a union values family and know that family-supporting wages are the foundation for a vibrant middle class in Wisconsin. As Lieutenant Governor, I will support investments in technical assistance, and workforce and talent development to foster entrepreneur and small business growth and success in Wisconsin. My husband and I knew we wanted to raise our family in Wisconsin, to have our children experience all that Wisconsin has to offer. I feel fortunate to have our children in a public education system where they can grow and succeed. A fully funded public education system is critical to creating thriving communities. As Lieutenant Governor, I will advocate for birth through college opportunities so that all students and families have equitable access to education throughout their life, and ensure that every child has access to the social support and mental health resources they need to live healthy lives. I believe that my values and experience enable me to be a strong voice for all Wisconsinites.
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Why do you feel that you would be Governor Evers most effective partner in winning the 2022 election?
Peng Her:
Many people urged me to run for Lt. Governor because the combination of my leadership experience, lived experience, and ability to organize and energize voters make me the strongest candidate. As an executive, I’ve led diverse teams and created public-private partnerships. As a small business owner, I met a payroll and learned firsthand about what it takes to make a business succeed. I’ve made change happen at the national, state, and local level. My career has been about making communities stronger.
Currently, I am the CEO of the Hmong Institute, a non-profit that provides training and education to improve health care and educational achievements for communities of color throughout Wisconsin.
My background also includes leading community development and promise zone initiatives as well as overseeing outreach for a cutting-edge program at UW Madison designed to help eliminate poverty. Voters are excited by my candidacy. Our campaign is strong and inclusive. I know how to work with people to get things done and solve tough problems. I am a tenacious fighter who will stand up for our shared values. I want to put these skills to work for the people of Wisconsin and to ensure we re-elect Governor Evers.
Sara Rodriguez:
Voters across Wisconsin consistently identify education and healthcare as two primary issues facing residents. Governor Evers’ strong education background and my broad experience in healthcare is a strong combination. I will not only be a strong partner on the campaign trail, but also in the Executive office to help lead our state alongside Governor Evers. Additionally, I was one of the few state candidates in the country to flip a seat in 2020. I know how to reach voters and win in a purple district, and I know the work it’s going to take to win in a purple state this year. We’ve been building a strong statewide campaign infrastructure since November 2021, and have earned the endorsement of more than 60 state and local elected officials, including 13 of my colleagues in the Assembly and Senate, representing 2/3 of Wisconsin. We have a full-time organizing staff talking with voters across the state, making sure they are ready to vote. I have already traveled to or met with voters in the majority of Wisconsin counties, and our campaign will continue to engage and organize in all 72 counties to turnout voters for Democrats up and down the ballot in August and November.
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What role does the Lieutenant Governor have in promoting the state – what new areas do we need to explore in promotion of business, residency, and tourism?
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Opening the office
The Administration Team has been discussing how, when and if to return to our office at 5600 W. Brown Deer Road. Please fill out this questionnaire at your earliest convenience to give us your opinion about office use. Once we receive everyone’s input (no later than April 18) we will convene a meeting to discuss the results and determine a plan of action.
Take the survey
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Econ4Voters
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Early Voting Information for the April 4, 2023 Election
Generally, early voting takes place in the city, town or village hall. Each city, village, or town has its own COVID-19 policies. Please call ahead to find out what is required to vote early in person.
Municipality Phone Days Hours Bayside
9075 N Regent Road414-351-8811 Tue, Mar 21 — Fri, Mar 31
Mon, Mar 27 — Wed, Mar 29
Thu, Mar 30 — Fri, Mar 31
8:00am — 4:00pm
8:00am — 4:00pm
8:00am — 5:00pm
Brown Deer
4800 West Green Brook Drive414-371-3050 Tue, Mar 21 — Fri, Mar 31
Mon, Mar 27 — Thu, Mar 30
Fri, Mar 31
8:00am — 4:30pm
8:00am — 4:30pm
8:00am — 5:00pm
City of Cedarburg
W63 N645 Washington Ave262-375-7600
262-375-7606
Tue, Mar 21 — Fri, Mar 31
Mon, Mar 27 — Thu, Mar 30
Fri, Mar 31
8:00am — 4:00pm
8:00am — 4:00pm
8:00am — 5:00pm
Town of Cedarburg
1293 Washington Ave262-377-4509
Tue, Mar 21 — Fri, Mar 31
Mon, Mar 27 — Thu, Mar 30
Fri, Mar 31
8:00am — 4:30pm
8:00am — 4:30pm
8:00am — 5:00pm
Fox Point
7200 N Santa Monica Boulevard414-351-8900 Tue, Mar 21 — Fri, Mar 31
Mon, Mar 27 — Thu, Mar 30
Fri, Mar 31
8:00am — 4:00pm
8:00am — 4:00pm
8:00am — 5:00pm
Glendale
5909 North Milwaukee River Parkway414-228-1718
Tue, Mar 21 — Fri, Mar 31
Mon, Mar 27 — Thu, Mar 30
Fri, Mar 31
8:00am — 4:30pm
8:00am — 4:30pm
8:00am — 5:00pm
Town of Grafton
1102 Bridge St262-375-5300 Tue, Mar 21 — Fri, Mar 31
Mon, Mar 27 — Thu, Mar 30
Fri, Mar 31
8:30am — 4:30pm
8:30am — 4:30pm
8:30am — 12:00pm
Village of Grafton
860 Badger Circle262-375-5000 Tue, Mar 21 — Fri, Mar 31
Mon, Mar 27 — Fri, Mar 31
8:00am — 4:30pm
8:00am — 4:30pm
Mequon
11333 N Cedarburg Rd262-242-3100 Tue, Mar 21 — Fri, Mar 31
Mon, Mar 27 — Thu, Mar 30
Fri, Mar 31
8:00am — 4:30pm
8:00am — 4:30pm
8:00am — 5:00pm
River Hills
7650 N. Pheasant Lane414-352-8213 Tue, Mar 21
Thu, Mar 23
Tue, Mar 28
Thu, Mar 30
9:00am — 1:00pm
1:00pm — 5:00pm
9:00am — 1:00pm
1:00pm — 5:00pm
Thiensville
250 Elm Street262-242-3720 Tue, Mar 21 — Fri, Mar 31
Mon, Mar 27 — Thu, Mar 30
Fri, Mar 31
8:00am — 4:30pm
8:00am — 4:30pm
8:00am — 5:00pm
Shorewood
3930 N Murray Avenue414-847-2700
414-847-2601
Tue, Mar 21 — Fri, Mar 31
Mon, Mar 27 — Thu, Mar 30
Fri, Mar 31
8:00am — 4:30pm
8:00am — 4:30pm
8:00am — 5:00pm
Whitefish Bay
5300 N. Marlborough Dr.414-962-6690 Tue, Mar 21 — Fri, Mar 31
Mon, Mar 27 — Thu, Mar 30
Fri, Mar 31
8:00am — 4:30pm
8:00am — 4:30pm
8:00am — 5:00pm
*On the Friday before Election Day (03/31/23), most early in-person offices are open until 5 pm.
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An Evening with Jill Wine-Banks
WILL DEMOCRACY SURVIVE IN WISCONSIN? We hear from respected legal analyst, Jill Wine-Banks:
- Author of The Watergate Girl
- Co-host, #SistersInLaw and iGenPolitics Podcasts
- Former Assistant Watergate Special Prosecutor
- General Counsel of US Army in Carter Administration
Democracy is once again in peril, and Wisconsin is a prime example.
We explore the statewide and national implications of the erosion of democracy with Ms. Wine-Banks, Representative Evan Goyke (moderator) and Wisconsin Representatives Deb Andraca and Jonathan Brostoff.
RSVP Sunday, December 5th, 7-8:30 pm. You will receive a link to join the webinar when you sign up.Any donation is welcome. After you rsvp, you will be taken directly to the donation page! Or, if you prefer, send a check to:
Grassroots North Shore
5600 W Brown Deer Rd, #116
Brown Deer, WI 53223Please write "fundraiser" on the memo line.
For those of you (1st 15 people) who donate at the level of $200 or more, we have a special thank you gift, a sampler of four beers from The Minocqua Brewing Company.
What we do and why you should support us . . .
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Grassroots North Shore Bylaws
ARTICLE I. NAME OF ORGANIZATION
The name of the organization shall be Grassroots North Shore (GRNS).
ARTICLE II. PURPOSE
SECTION 1.
GRNS is registered as an Unincorporated Association with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.
SECTION 2.
GRNS is an all-volunteer, not-for-profit organization that works to advocate, educate and inform for progressive change and solutions. Contributions to Grassroots North Shore are not tax deductible.
SECTION 3.
No monies from dues or donations to the organization shall inure to the benefit of any member or individual, other organization, or political candidate.
ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 1. Eligibility
- The single requirement for membership eligibility is that the individual favor a progressive ideology.
- GRNS serves Milwaukee’s North Shore and Ozaukee County residents. Individuals from any geographic location may join.
SECTION 2. Dues
Membership in GRNS is based on the annual payment of dues. For the dues structure and amounts, refer to GRNS’ Policies and Procedures.
SECTION 3. Categories of Involvement
- Individuals/households that pay membership dues.
- Advisory Members, who receive Steering Committee minutes.
- Members of the Steering Committee.
- Members of the Administrative Committee.
- Supporters, who are non-dues paying individuals, that may participate in all activities except Voting.
SECTION 4. Members must be in good standing to avail themselves of the benefits of membership.
SECTION 5. Resignations
- Resignations shall be tendered to the Co-Chair(s) in writing.
- Officer resignations shall be submitted to the Steering Committee in writing.
- If a Member is being terminated for cause or disciplinary action, it shall be handled by a majority vote of the Steering Committee at a special meeting called for that purpose.
ARTICLE IV. STEERING COMMITTEE
SECTION 1.
- The Steering Committee shall be an elected group of individuals, comprised of 9 – 15 active members.
- Their terms shall be for two years staggered, and have no limits.
- This committee operates similarly to a Board of Directors.
SECTION 2.
The Steering Committee is responsible for overall policy and direction of the organization. Authority will be delegated to Standing and Ad Hoc committees as appropriate.
SECTION 3.
- A Slate of Candidates is prepared by the Nominating Committee in November. The Slate is presented to the Steering Committee at the December meeting for suggested changes or approval. If changes are recommended, they will be made and the slate re-presented to the Steering Committee at the January meeting.
- Final approval shall be made by majority vote of Active Members at the Annual Meeting.
ARTICLE V. ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE
SECTION 1. Purpose
The management of business shall be vested in an Administrative Committee, which shall be comprised of the Co-Chair(s), Treasurer, Secretary and one (1) Active Member.
SECTION 2. Membership
The Active Member shall be appointed by the Co-Chairs with notice to the Steering Committee. The term of office shall be annual.
SECTION 3. Responsibilities
Duties of the Administrative Committee shall be to assist the Co-Chairs with conducting the business of the association: approval of expenditures over the amount stated in GRNS’ Policies and Procedures, and administrative matters that come before it.
ARTICLE VI. ADVISORY MEMBERS
SECTION 1.
A group of indeterminate size shall comprise the Advisory Members. In general, they are former officers and members of the Steering Committee. Other persons with specific expertise may also be included.
SECTION 2.
They shall have no specific term of office and no term limits.
SECTION 3.
Advisory members are appointed during the annual nominating process, but are not included in the slate of elected candidates.
SECTION 4.
Advisory members may attend Steering Committee meetings; however, they do not vote.
ARTICLE VII. OFFICERS
SECTION 1.
The officers of this association shall be the Chair/Co-Chairs, Secretary, and Treasurer. All officers must be Active Members of the association.
- The association may be led by either two (2) Co-Chairs or one (1) Chair.
- Co-Chair terms are staggered.
- The incumbent Co-Chair has the final say over who shall become their Co-Chair
- Co-Chairs decide how they will divide responsibilities. They shall, however, provide back-up for each other.
SECTION 2. Terms of Office
- The term of office for Chair/Co-chairs shall be two (2) years. Other Officers are appointed.
- The election of Officers shall be conducted annually, for those positions whose terms have ended.
- Vacancies shall be filled by the Chair/Co-Chairs. Interim appointments shall be effective until the next regular election.
SECTION 3. Duties - Chair/Co-Chairs
The Chair/Co-Chairs shall preside at Steering and Administrative Committee meetings. They shall appoint committees, name chairpersons of Standing or Ad Hoc committees, and be an ex-officio member of all committees.
SECTION 4. Duties - Treasurer
The Treasurer shall receive and maintain custody of all funds, pay all bills, collect monies due, keep full and accurate accounts, and present a Treasurer’s Report to the Steering Committee at each regular meeting. Refer to GRNS’ Policies and Procedures to determine who shall sign checks.
SECTION 5. Duties - Secretary
The Secretary shall attend and record Steering and Administrative Committee meetings. All other committees are responsible for their own administrative functions. The Secretary shall send a copy of the Bylaws to all new Steering Committee members.
ARTICLE VIII. MEETINGS OF THE STEERING COMMITTEE
SECTION 1. Regular Meetings
- Regular meetings of the Steering Committee shall be held monthly. The date, time, and place shall be as specified in the GRNS’ Policies and Procedures.
- The Quorum for a regular meeting shall be five (5) of the Active Members. A simple majority of those present and voting shall be sufficient.
- Meetings may be in-person or virtual.
SECTION 2. Special Meetings
- Special meetings may be called by the Chair/Co-Chairs, the Administrative Committee, or by request of two-thirds (2/3) of the Active Members of the Steering Committee.
- Notification to those invited shall be given electronically seven (7) days before the meeting.
- The Quorum shall be five (5) Active Members of the Steering Committee in attendance. A simple majority of those present and voting shall be sufficient.
- Meetings may be in-person or virtual.
SECTION 3. Annual Meeting
- An annual meeting of members and supporters shall be called by the Steering Committee during the first quarter of the year.
- This shall be a combination business/informational meeting, to include the approval of the slate of officers and Steering Committee candidates.
- Only Active Members may vote.
SECTION 4. Record of Proceedings
- A record of all regular and special meetings of the Steering Committee shall be kept by the Secretary.
- This record shall include a Treasurer’s Report and Committee Reports. All decisions, matters of a financial nature, and Motions/Seconds/Votes shall be documented. It is not required that the full extent of discussions be included.
- This record shall be approved by the Steering Committee at their next regular meeting.
- Once approved (and corrected, if applicable) the record shall be archived electronically.
ARTICLE IX. STANDING AND AD HOC COMMITTEES
SECTION 1. Formation
The Chair/Co-Chairs may create or disband standing or ad hoc committees as needed.SECTION 2. Standing Committees
A detailed description of each committee is provided in the GRNS’ Policies and Procedures.
- Communications
- Endorsements
- Events
- Finance
- Fund Raising
- Issues
- Membership
- Nominating
- PEC (Politics, Elections, Campaigns).
ARTICLE X. AMENDMENTS
SECTION 1.
These articles may be amended, or new ones added, by a majority vote of the Steering Committee members present at any regular meeting of the association, or any special meeting called for that purpose.
SECTION 2.
Proposed amended articles or additions to the Bylaws must be introduced to the Steering Committee membership for review at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting at which they will be discussed and approved. Distribution of this material will be electronic.
ARTICLE XI. DISSOLUTION
Grassroots North Shore may be dissolved at any time by the written consent of not less than two-thirds (2/3) of the Steering Committee. If the Association is dissolved, after all bills have been paid and all receivables collected, all monies remaining at that time shall be donated to a nonprofit organization selected by the Administrative Committee.
ARTICLE XII. PARLIAMENTARY
When information regarding a specific situation has not been included in these Bylaws, reference to Roberts’ Rules of Order as a guideline is recommended. A less formal, pared down system of rules may be used.
We, the undersigned, are Co-Chairs of the Grassroots North Shore Steering Committee at this time, and we consent to, and hereby do, adopt the foregoing Bylaws, consisting of the five (5) preceding pages, as the Bylaws of this Unincorporated Association.
ADOPTED AND APPROVED by the Steering Committee on this 19th day of August, 2021.
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Let's Talk Gun Safety Solutions
On Sunday, September 19, at 3PM, experts and legislators will give us updates on why Wisconsin has been unable to pass legislation to help us reduce gun violence, what we can do about the situation, and how to protect ourselves personally in the meantime.Originally conceived as an in-person event, Grassroots North Shore has updated plans for this program: it will now be held on Zoom.After you register, you will be sent the link to join the webinar.
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Support Election Actions
Help support Grassroots North Shore's election activities, especially sending postcards. Your donations will help us reach and turnout our voters!If you would prefer to send a check, please make the check out to Grassroots North Shore and include "stamps" on the memo line. Send your check to PO Box 170684, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53217-8056.
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Spring 2021 Primary Election
The 2021 Primary Election is only two weeks away. The most important election on that ballot statewide is the race for State Superintendent of Public Instruction. See a list of all the candidates and links to their statements, their websites, and their Facebook pages. The statements run long so for a very succinct three bullets about each, see the list at WEAU 13 News.
For lists of candidates for municipal, judicial, and school board elections, follow the links from our Races 2021 page. In many cases there will be no primary for the races because there are few races in which more than two candidates are competing. To request an absentee ballot and to see a sample ballot for your location, visit myVote.WI.gov.
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Milwaukee County Judicial Candidates
The following candidates will appear on all Milwaukee County Ballots on April 6. Only one judicial office is contested: County Circuit Court Judge Branch 3. The names of the candidates for Circuit Court Judge Branch 3 are linked to their websites. The rest are all incumbents who are running unopposed.
Court of Appeals Judge, District 1 Maxine White Incumbent unopposed Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judges Branch 1: Jack Dávila Incumbent unopposed Branch 3: Katie Kegel
Susan Roth
(Clare L. Florenza, Incumbent, not running)Branch 6: Ellen R. Brostrom Incumbent unopposed Branch 12: David L. Borowski Incumbent unopposed Branch 15: J. D. Watts Incumbent unopposed Branch 19: Kori Ashley Incumbent unopposed Branch 22: Timothy Witkowiak Incumbent unopposed Branch 30: Jon Richards Incumbent unopposed Branch 37: Thomas Christophe Dee Incumbent unopposed Branch 42: Reyna Morales Incumbent unopposed Branch 46: David Feiss Incumbent unopposed
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Ozaukee County Judicial Candidates
The following candidates will appear on Ozaukee County Ballots on April 6. The only contested election is for Court of Appeals Judge, District 2. Because there are only two candidates for that position, both will appear only on the April 6 ballot and only for those who reside in district 2 of the Court of Appeals.
Court of Appeals Judge, District 1 Maxine White
Incumbent unopposed Court of Appeals Judge, District 2 Jeff Davis Incumbent Shelley Grogan Ozaukee County Circuit Court Judges Branch 1: Paul V. Malloy Incumbent unopposed
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School Board Candidates
Brown Deer: 4 candidates for 3 positions Three Board members, 3-yr terms Anita Peterson (I)
Nichole Burris (Zick)
Stacey Smith
Felita Ashley
Incumbents Kevin Klimek and Michele Schofield are not seeking re-election.
Cedarburg: 4 candidates for 2 positions Two Board members, 3-yr terms Samuel Cox (I)
David Krier (I)
Mary Jo Canham
Kate Noetzel
Fox Point-Bayside: uncontested One Board member, 3-yr term Tina Kreitlow (I)
Glendale-River Hills: uncontested Two Board members, 3-yr terms Andrew Franklin (I)
Ben Wynn
Grafton: 3 candidates for 2 positions Two Board members, 3-yr terms Jerry Rossi (I)
Mary Widmann
Shawn Taylor
Incumbent John Scolman is not running for re-election.
Maple Dale-Indian Hill: uncontested Two Board members, 3-yr terms Ted Knight (I)
Ryan Jenness (I)
Mequon-Thiensville: uncontested Three Board members, 3-yr terms Shelley D. Burns (I)
John W. Daniels (I)
Paula Taebel (I)
Andrew Hopkins
Catherine B. Perry
Anne Watts
Nicolet: 4 candidates for 2 positions Two Board members, 3-yr terms Marilyn K. Franklin (I)
Libby Gutterman (I)
Robert Cronwell
Julie Reindl
Port Washington: 4 candidates for 2 positions Two Board members, 3-yr terms Brenda Fritsch (I)
Aaron Paulin (I)
Danielle Mayer
Robert Brooks
Saukville: uncontested One Board member, 3-yr term Douglas Mueller (I)
Shorewood: 2 candidates for 1 position One Board member, 3-yr term Traci Clark
Ellen Eckman
Incumbent Clarke Warren is not running for re-election.
Whitefish Bay: Three Board members, 3-yr terms Anne Berleman Kearney (I)
Sandy J. Saltzstein (I)
Pamela N. Woodard (I)
Joseph Wendel Ketchum Sr.
Daniel B. Tyk
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Ozaukee County Municipal Candidates
Cedarburg: all races uncontested Mayor (one seat, three-year term) Michael O'Keefe (I) Aldermanic District 2, two-year term Jack Arnett (I) Aldermanic District 4, two-year term Rick Verhaalen (I) Aldermanic District 6, two-year term Patricia Thome (I)
Mequon: all races uncontested Aldermanic District 6, three-year term Brian Parrish (I) Aldermanic District 7, three-year term Kathleen Schneider (I) Aldermanic District 8, three-year term Andrew Nerbun (I)
Port Washington: Aldermanic races uncontested Mayor (one seat, three-year term) Daniel Benning
Theodore Neitzke IV
Incumbent Martin Becker is not running for re-electionAldermanic District 1, two-year term Deborah Postl (I) Aldermanic District 3, two-year term Michael Gasper (I) Aldermanic District 5, two-year term Jonathan Pleitner (I) Aldermanic District 7, two-year term John Sigwart (I)
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Milwaukee County Municipalities
None of the races listed here will involve a primary but ALL of them will be on the April 6 ballot.
Bayside: uncontested Two Village Trustee seats, 3-yr terms Margaret Zitzer (I)
Dan Rosenfeld
Incumbent Daniel Muchin is not running for re-election
Brown Deer: 3 candidates for 2 seats Two Village Trustee seats, 3-yr terms Gary Springman (I)
Renee Booker (I)
Emily Siegrist
Fox Point: uncontested Two Village Trustee seats, 3-yr terms Liz Sumner (I)
Catie Anderson Knight
Glendale: all races uncontested Mayor, One seat, three-year term Bryan Kennedy (I) Aldermanic District 1, two-year term Tomika Vukovic (I) Aldermanic District 3, two-year term John Gelhard (I) Aldermanic District 5, two-year term Steve Schmelzling (I)
River Hills: uncontested Two Village Trustee seats, 3-yr terms Peter Kingwill (I)
Peggy Ruso (I)
Shorewood: 2 candidates for 1 position for Mayor
and 4 candidates for 2 positions as trusteeVillage President, One seat, 3-yr term Jessica Carpenter (currently a trustee)
Ann McCullough McKaig
Incumbent Allison Rozek is not running for re-election
Two Village Trustee seats, 3-yr terms Jim Arndorfer
Lindsay Maruszewski
Melissa Moore Baldauff
Incumbent Davida Amenta is not running for re-election
Whitefish Bay: 3 candidates for 2 seats Two Village Trustee seats, 3-yr terms Jay Saunders (I)
Raisa Koltun
Jacob Haller
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We're still waiting to exhale
On Friday, January 8, I encouraged everyone to get in touch with Senator Ron Johnson, U.S. Representative Scott Fitzgerald, and U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany — the three Republican elected officials from Wisconsin who either voted to accept the spurious objections raised to the electoral votes of Arizona and Pennsylvania or originally committed to doing so but thought better of it after the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol was put down. These three men should no longer be eligible to serve in the Congress, according to section 3 of the 14th amendment to the Constitution:
No Person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, or elector of President and Vice-President, or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or under any State, who, having previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any State legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any State, to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof. But Congress may by a vote of two-thirds of each House, remove such disability.Here's the contact information you need. Make your voices heard and hold these men accountable:
U.S. Rep. Scott Fitzgerald: (202) 225-5101
Email and office locations are not yet available.U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany: (202) 225-3365
email
1719 Longworth HOB, Washington, DC 20515Sen. Ron Johnson: (202) 224-5323
email
328 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510We only have eight more days of the tRump administration to go. But there are plenty of pundits predicting new violence on January 17 and on Inauguration Day, both in DC and in every state capital. See "Americans across the political spectrum fear what the Capitol attack portends" in the Washington Post, "Drumpf supporters plan to surround the Capitol in 'chilling' insurrection plot" in Daily Kos, and "Right-wing violence will now be a regular feature of American politics" in the Plum Line blog. In Madison, "Tony Evers calls up National Guard to protect Capitol, boards up windows after FBI warning of 'armed protests'". Sadly, this seems to be the world we live in right now.
Still, the work of our organization proceeds apace. Dan O'Keefe, the leader of the Criminal Justice Reform Issue Team, invites interested Grassroots North Shore supporters to sign up. The Team is working on arranging a Zoom meeting with State Senator Alberta Darling and welcomes everyone to participate. Details of the meeting will be announced to those who sign up as soon as they are available.
There are going to be seven candidates on the ballot for the office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. Our page with links to candidate's campaign sites is now up so that you can find out something about each candidates' positions. You can also watch a forum with them, sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin and Wisconsin Public Education Network and originally held on January 7, 20221.
And don't forget the People's Map Commission hearing on Thursday, January 14. You can participate by submitting comments or just registrating for the public hearing (required).
Read more
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Candidates for State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Two candidates have prevailed in the February 16 primary. Below you will find their names, links to the candidate statement they submitted to Grassroots North Shore, plus a link to their campaign websites and/or Facebook pages.
Grassroots North Shore will hold a candidate forum, moderated by Pablo Muirhead, Shorewood School Board member, on Sunday, March 14, on Zoom. Please RSVP to receive the link information.
Name Information Deborah Kerr
Candidate StatementCurrent Position: Former Brown Deer Schools Superintendent, founding member of the Closing the Gap Consortium
Website | FacebookJill Underly
Candidate StatementCurrent Position: Superintendent of Pecatonica Area School District, Former assistant director of DPI
Website | Facebook
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2021 Races
This section of the Elections 2021 site includes information about the candidates in each of these categories. In many cases, the races are uncontested and may therefore not be included on the ballots for the primaries on February 16. Wherever possible, there will be links to online information provided by the candidates' campaigns.