From: The Capital Times — 7/16/2008 5:33 am
What are your top three issues, in order of priority?
Address the crisis in health care affordability and accessibility.
Fix the state education funding formula.
Promote good jobs, small business and an vibrant economy.
What separates you from the rest of the field?
From my public service in the Legislature, I have gained the practical, hands-on policy and legislative experience with more than just one issue and can hit the ground running in what will be a defining legislative session for our state. I have the passion to successfully find solutions to the challenges our communities and state are facing. I am hard working, an exceptional listener, and conduct myself with integrity.
What most frustrated you about the Legislature in the last session?
The unwillingness of the Assembly to work on issues important to Wisconsin. My neighbors here in the 81st don't want more political rhetoric, they want results and their concerns addressed by leaders who are willing to take on the challenges facing our state.
Endorsements:
Local Leaders: Dane County Sheriff Dave Mahoney, Former Mayor Paul Soglin, Former School Board member Carol Cartstensen, School Board member Marg Passman, County Supervisor Dorothy Wheeler, Madison city Ald. Michael Schumacher, conservationists Jayne and George Meyer, Environmentalists Tia Nelson, Scott Froehlke, and Denny Caneff.
State Elected officials: State Sens. Judy Robson and Kathleen Vinehout, state Reps. Mike Sheridan, Chuck Benedict, Kim Hixson. We will be rolling out more elected officials endorsements, but have not made them public yet.
Labor Organizations: UAW Local 95 Janesville-Madison has endorsed and donated. The United Transportation Union has donated.
Biographical information:
Age: 39
Political Experience:
I have volunteered on numerous local, state, and national campaigns. I have worked in public policy for more than 10 years, most recently serving as Sen. Robson's chief of staff.
I have spoken on ethics at the National conference of State Legislatures and worked with the Senate to improve Senate decorum and civility.
Occupation:
I have taken an unpaid leave of absence from Senator Robson's office. I am her chief of staff. I also am a certified SCUBA instructor and used to manage the Fontana SCUBA Shop.
Family:
I am married to Melissa Sargent, formerly Melissa Agard. Melissa is a small business owner. We have sons Devin, 10, Bailey, 8, and Keanan, 2. Melissa and I both grew up in Madison. We have chosen to raise our family on the north side, where our children attend public school. We have two rescued dogs from the dog rescue that we are members of.
Read the original story HERE.
