An Overflowing Abundance

This past weekend was the Wisconsin Democratic Party Convention. Keynote Speaker was Mayor Pete Buttigieg, of South Bend, Indiana and, so help me, I saw a star rising. There was also no shortage of home-grown stars who are running for offices all across our state. Most notably is the Gubernatorial Field.

On Sunday, June 24th, we will be hosting our own forum at Sarah Chudnow Campus in Mequon, WI. In preparation, we asked the candidates to submit answers to two questions which we will share with you over the next three weeks as we lead up to the Forum. First, however, a bit of a disclaimer/explanation. Our events usually require 3-4 months of planning. When we started we used the Marquette Poll to invite the six highest polling candidates. We request your patience while we attempt to remain responsive to the ever-changing numbers. Our goal is to provide enough time for each of the candidates to speak and for there to also be time for questions. We may be having some changes to the line-up. For now, we will share the answers that have been submitted.

Question 1- What is the role and responsibility of the state regarding protection of immigrants?

Tony Evers

Respect. Tolerance. Inclusivity.

It is time for Wisconsin to turn a new page. Open lines of communication are critical – with both immigrant communities and local law enforcement. Miscommunication is all too often the root of problems and frankly a goal for those seeking to divide us. Combating false information, building trust and providing adequate community resources are important pieces of the solution if we are going to build our communities up instead of giving in to federal fear.

I support in-state tuition for undocumented students and would support driver’s cards for undocumented workers. As Governor, I would direct the Attorney General to join the lawsuit challenging President Trump’s termination of the DACA program. Furthermore, I would veto abhorrent legislation (like AB 190) meant to intimidate, scare and punish families in Wisconsin. While immigration generally is a federal issue – we have the ability to set the tone as a state about how we treat our friends, neighbors and fellow Wisconsinites.

Mahlon Mitchell

Save our sacred Native American communities, we are a nation of immigrants. The state of Wisconsin should do everything within its legal power to defend all Wisconsinites, regardless of where they come from. Our immigrant populations will make or break our economic future. If we continue on our current path, immigrants will no longer look at our state or country as a land of economic opportunity and freedom.

We will lose out on an entire generation of people who want something better and can add to our economy. As Governor, I will champion our immigrants and the positive contributions they provide to our country.

Question 2 - Would you leave as is the current public versus voucher structure? If not, how would you propose changing and funding that relationship?

Tony Evers

As a former educator, principal, district administrator and now as Wisconsin’s State Superintendent of Schools, I have dedicated my life to helping our kids and for 20 years, fighting the privatization of our schools. Our public schools are the heart and soul of so many Wisconsin communities but they also are essential to sustainable, innovative and long-term economic growth and workforce development.

From “Divide and Conquer” with our educators to cutting over $1 billion from our schools, Scott Walker has not been a friend of public education. Since 2011, over 1 million Wisconsinites have voted to raise their own property taxes because Scott Walker and the Republican legislature have not adequately funded our public schools. This problem has only been compounded by the financing of a second school system via Wisconsin’s private school voucher program.

Given inaction by both Republican and Democratic majorities to eliminate this program, I’ve worked across the aisle to increase transparency and accountability within our voucher schools. As Governor, I won’t kick 30,000 kids out of their school, but I do believe we can work to phase out the statewide voucher program. If the legislature passes a bill, I will sign it.

Mahlon Mitchell

Throughout Wisconsin – rural, urban, small cities – school districts have cut art, band, physical education, libraries are un-staffed, and students use decades-old textbooks. This is Scott Walker’s legacy for K-12 education in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin’s taxpayers cannot afford two separate and unequal school systems. We must remain committed to ensuring that all youth receive a globally competitive education, but the reality for Wisconsin and our nation is that quality of education is dependent on zip code. Because

of this, alternative schools have become a popular option - but they shouldn’t become the norm. I have long said, public dollars should go to public education to ensure that no matter age, race, socioeconomic status or neighborhood our children have abundant resources and their educators are adequately supported. Absent that, communities

across Wisconsin have had to consider alternative options.

As Governor, I'll do everything I can to reverse the damage that 8 years of Scott Walker have done to our schools and, simultaneously, the future of our state. I will fully invest in Wisconsin’s public schools and continue to stand up for the needs of our educators.

Next week we will publish two more responses, so stay tuned. If you haven't yet sent your rsvp for the event, you can do so here.

EVENTS

Tues June 5, 2014

Latina Activists: Author Event, 6 pm
Mitchell Street Library, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St.
Andrea-Teresa Arenas and Eloisa Gómez, authors of Somos Latinas: Voices of Wisconsin Latina Activists, will share the inspirational stories of twenty-five Latina agents of change. The powerful narratives of these activists, from outspoken demonstrators to collaborative community-builders to determined individuals working for change behind the scenes, provide proof of the long-standing legacy of Latina activism throughout Wisconsin.

Daniel Riemer Kickoff Fundraiser, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Westallion Brewing Co., 1825 S. 72nd St., West Allis
Help State Rep. Daniel Riemer kick off his re-election campaign and get ready for victory in 2018! Contribution Levels: Host: $1000 Sponsor: $500, Friend: $250, Supporter: $100, Suggested Contribution: $50. All donations are gratefully accepted. Online donation: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ready2018 RSVP: [email protected]

Wed June 6, 2018

Chris Larson Listening Session, 5 pm - 6:30 pm
Oak Creek Civic Center, 8040 S. 6th St.
State Sen. Chris Larson will hold a listening session to hear what his constituents are thinking.

Refuel the Resistance, 5 pm - 8 pm
Bounce Milwaukee, 2801 S. 5th Ct., Milwaukee
Weekly gathering at Bounce Milwaukee's mezzanine bar for networking, inspiration or just to vent. Bring along any evidence of your civic, resistance from the last week to get a beverage (up to $7) on the house, and compare notes with other individuals and groups working to make things better. More information.

Thurs June 7, 2018

Earnell Lucas Meet & Greet, 5 pm - 7 pm
Sugar Maple, 441 E. Lincoln Ave., Milwaukee
Join Earnell Lucas, candidate for Milwaukee County Sheriff, for a meet-and-greet hosted by retired Assistant Police Chief Carianne Yerkes. Earnell is running an aggressive county-wide campaign to restore the public's trust in the Sheriff's Office. As our Sheriff, Earnell will work throughout our community to build a safer and stronger Milwaukee County for all. All are invited to attend this informal event and no contribution is required! If you would like to support Earnell's campaign financially, contribution envelopes will be available at the event.
Online contribution: https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/page/lucasformke

Forgotten America: Author Event, 7 pm
Boswell Book Co., 2559 N. Downer Ave, Milwaukee
Author Sarah Kendzior will speak about her book on the American heartland, The View from Flyover Country: Dispatches from the Forgotten America. It is a piercing critique of the labor exploitation, racism, gentrification, media bias, and other aspects of the post-employment economy that gave rise to a president who rules like an autocrat. This is necessary reading for anyone who believes the only way for America to fix its problems is to first discuss them with honesty and compassion.

Sat June 9, 2018

Building Progressive Power, 9 am - 12:30 pm
MTEA Building, 5130 W. Vliet St., Milwaukee
Citizen Action has a plan to harness the historic energy around 'The Resistance' to create lasting progressive power in Wisconsin. This training acts as the first step in that plan, giving you the knowledge and tools you need to get started. This event will focus first on a roadmap to winning back political power. The second half will be an overview of the electoral landscape in Wisconsin and training in the campaign plan and communicating about the issues. RSVP (space is limited): https://www.citizenactionwi.org/training6-9-18

Stand for Peace, 12 pm - 1 pm
Varies. Find the week's location here.
Stand for peace in the streets of Milwaukee, every Saturday at noon. Organized by the United Nations Association of Milwaukee, Peace/Conflict Committee.

Tammy Baldwin Rally, 1:30 pm
Italian Community Center, 631 E. Chicago Street
Join Tammy, Senator Kamala Harris, Congresswoman Gwen Moore, and fellow Wisconsinites gathering to show powerful special interests that Wisconsin's U.S. Senate seat can't be bought.Doors open at 1:30 pm/ RSVP: https://www.tammybaldwin.com/landing/harrismilwaukee/?source=dpw_email

Sun June 10, 2018

Citizen Action Potluck, 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Plymouth Church, 2717 E. Hampshire St., Milwaukee
Join Citizen Action in celebrating the three year anniversary of the Organizing Cooperative, learn about its strategy to win big this election season, hear from members running for office and have fun! Everyone's welcome - bring the whole family! Bring friends and a dish to pass!RSVP: https://www.citizenactionwi.org/summer_assembly Contact: [email protected] or 414-469-0118

Mon June 11, 2018

Governor Candidate Forum, 6 pm - 8 pm
Country Springs Hotel, 2810 Golf Rd., Pewaukee
Candidates for governor will be asked questions on issues of criminal justice reform, public transportation, childhood poverty, health care, and more. Sponsored by WISDOM, EXPO, Mothers Against Gun Violence, and Moms Demand Action.

Tues June 12, 2018

DPMC Issues Committee Meeting, 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Amalgamated Transit Union, 734 N. 26th St., Milwaukee
The Democratic Party's Issues Committee will hold its monthly meeting. All Democrats are welcome to participate.

Milwaukee Dems Meeting, 6 pm
Amalgamated Transit Union, 734 N. 26th St., Milwaukee
Milwaukee County Democrats meet monthly to discuss party business, hear speakers on current topics, pass resolutions, and network with other progressives. All interested Democrats are invited. Milwaukee County Dems meet monthly to discuss party business, hear speakers on current topics, pass resolutions, and network with other progressives. All interested Democrats are invited to the general meeting and to the Issues Committee meeting at 5:30.

Drinking Liberally MKE, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Art Bar, 722 E. Burleigh St., Milwaukee
Now, more than ever, Drinking Liberally is a space to gather, support each other, and form the progressive community we're going to need to get through the next four years. Come share a pint with your fellow progressives! Drinking Liberally MKE meets on the second Tuesday of every month, hosted by Matt Filipowicz.

350.ORG Monthly Meeting, 7 pm - 8:30 pm
1500 E. Park Pl, Milwaukee (Urban Ecology Center)
350.ORG is the global organization building a grassroots movement in 188 countries to address global warming and solve climate the crisis. 350.ORG meets every second Tuesday of the month. www.350mke.org.

Candidate Mike McCabe Meet and Greet, 7 pm - 9 pm
Three Lions Pub, 4515 N Oakland Ave, Shorewood WI 53211
Join host Janet Meissner Pritchard to meet Mike McCabe, Candidate for Governor. Learn more and RSVP here.

Wed June 13, 2018

Thurs June 14, 2018

On the Issues: November Elections, 12:15 pm - 1:15 pm
Marquette University, Eckstein Hall, 1215 W. Michigan St., Milwaukee
Is a wave of political change coming in the 2018 midterm elections? Charles Franklin, director of the Marquette Law School Poll, is the featured guest for a special “On The Issues with Mike Gousha,” examining the factors most likely to influence the outcomes of the November midterms. RSVP required: https://law.marquette.edu/current-students/issues-charles-franklin

Drinking Liberally West Allis, 6 pm - 9 pm
Studz Pub Sports Bar & Grill, 6833 W. National Ave., West Allis
Drinking Liberally West Allis meets on the second Thursday of the month. Free discussions and fellowship. Good food and specials available.

Fri June 15, 2018

Waukesha Dems Nelson-Proxmire Dinner, 6 pm
Oconomowoc Community Center, 220 W. Wisconsin Ave, Oconomowoc, WI
Join the Waukesha Democrats in welcoming two very specials guests to Waukesha, 2016 Presidential Candidate Governor Martin O’Malley and Congressman Mark Pocan. Also joining us this year are our dear friends DNC Secretary Jason Rae and Representative JoCasta Zamarripa. Dinner ticket: $80 VIP add-on for a reception with Tammy Baldwin and guest speakers (limit of 50 persons): $50 Other ticket prices for seating at a guest speaker's table. More information and ticket purchase: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/np18

Sat June 16, 2018

NAACP Monthly Meeting, 11 am - 1 pm
2745 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Dr., Milwaukee
Monthly membership meeting of NAACP Milwaukee Branch. The meeting is held in the basement conference room.

Laughing Liberally Milwaukee, 8 pm - 10 pm
Comedy Sportz Theater, 420 S. 1st St., Milwaukee
Laughing Liberally Milwaukee presents a night of progressive political comedy. In addition to some of the finest progressive comedians Milwaukee has to offer, each Laughing Liberally Milwaukee will feature a special interview with a local political figure, journalist or activist. This month’s guest is Wisconsin State Representative Jonathan Brostoff. Advance tickets ($8): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/laughing-liberally-milwaukee-tickets-46405904309

Mon June 18, 2018

Tues June 19, 2018

Juneteenth Day, 9 am - 6 pm
Martin Luther King Drive, between Burleigh and Center St, Milwaukee
The event kicks off with the parade. Live entertainment features local African dance groups, a variety of musical groups, and the Miss Juneteenth Day Pageant. Soul food and other festival favorites are available all day long. Juneteenth Day is a community celebration of the end of slavery in the United States. Free admission.

Julie Henszey Fundraiser, 5 pm - 7 pm
Westallion, 1825 S 72nd St, West Allis, WI 53214
Join Julie Henszey at a reception to support her campaign for the Wisconsin State Senate in the 5th District. Host: $1,000, Patron: $500, Friend: $250, Sponsor: $100, Suggested contribution: $50 Contributions of any amount gratefully accepted
To join the host committee or for any questions please contact Alex: [email protected] or 414-563-7717. Website: https://www.julieforwi.com/

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