Dear Friends,
Coming right up, June 8th – Conservation leaders and outdoor enthusiasts from the 81st Assembly District and across Wisconsin will be hosting a fundraising event for me at Rex’s Innkeeper, Highway 113 North, Waunakee, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Please join us!
In Brief:
The past two week’s activities included the ice cream social/fundraiser, a social justice reception, the 2nd Congressional Democratic Convention, a prairie and swamp restoration tour, a chance encounter with the internet sensation Chad Vader, a Memorial Day parade and celebration, the Annual Labor Bean Feed, and door to door visits with voters.
The Details:
Thanks all who attended the ice cream social and for those of you still sending in donations! It was a great neighborhood gathering with friends, family and neighbors. Special thanks to Dayna Dalton and Jeanette Paulson. Both are exceptionally busy, active people and I appreciate their making my campaign a part of their lives.
I attended the 8th birthday event for the Social Justice Center at
Olbrich Gardens. The only Assembly candidate present, I made the rounds talking to almost everyone there. This was a gathering of progressive minded advocates honoring advocacy work on Alzheimers and homelessness. Mary Kay Baum and Cynthia Travis were presented with the Social Justice Center’s Legacy Award and Visionary Award, respectively.
I worked as a volunteer at the 2nd Congressional Democratic Convention, checking in participants and delegates, until I had to leave to visit voters door to door. There was a great deal of energy at convention and the Democrats seem organized and motivated at the congressional level. Congratulations to the newly elected officers!
Last week my campaign became hopelessly mired, completely stuck, and I saw enough mud flying about to last the entire campaign. I’m speaking quite literally. Visiting farmers in rural Dane County is not without risk, and not for the faint of heart. Friend and supporter Gof Thompson and I were visiting a farmer and managed to sink Gof’s pick-up truck almost to the axles. Fortunately my campaign got rolling again with the help of the farmer and his tractor. We did get to see first hand the efforts to restore natural wetlands and prairie to the area. Both Gof and I can certainly vouch for the success of the restoration.
*Special thanks to Lee and his tractor!
I recently had the opportunity to meet internet sensation Chad Vader at a reception and fundraiser for Mayor Dave Cieslewicz. The well attended event was held at the Sundance Cinema.
My family and I celebrated Memorial Day in Cross Plains, meeting voters as we walked the parade route. Afterwards we joined others at a memorial ceremony honoring our service men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country. It was a great opportunity to see many of the new friends I have met going door to door.
The Annual Bean Feed was this past week. The gathering is an annual event attended by labor members from far and wide, elected officials and candidates. I attended my first bean feed years ago at the invitation of my mother, a retired AFSCME member. I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to visit with this hard working community ever since.
On Tuesday, June 3rd I will be leaving my position as Chief of Staff for Senator Robson, to run full time for State Assembly. I have been honored to work with Senator Robson on a variety of issues including enhancing Seniorcare, protecting reproductive rights, environmental conservation, safeguarding vital educational investments, and other important issues of the day. I’m also grateful for her encouragement to run for State Assembly. While its sad to leave her office, I’m excited to work full time on bringing positive change to Wisconsin.
Justin
