Our Candidates

• The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) has awarded Rep. Reid Ribble the NAM Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence.The award is based on his votes in the 113th Congress on issues that are critical to manufacturing in the United States. 

“Manufacturers in Wisconsin and throughout the United States are making a comeback, creating jobs, making more products and making them better than ever before,” said NAM Senior Vice President of Policy and Government Relations Aric Newhouse. “However, manufacturers are often disproportionately impacted by decisions made by policymakers in Washington. The NAM is proud to stand with lawmakers like Rep. Ribble who understand what is at stake and seek to implement policies that will foster innovation, growth and competitiveness.” 

Key Votes included in the Voting Record are selected by small, medium and large manufacturing executives who serve on the NAM’s Key Vote Advisory Committee.

• The Peninsula Pulse received a number of calls and emails regarding a series of broadcast and mailer political attack ads against 1st District Democratic Assembly candidate Joe Majeski. The ads claim that Majeski, who retired as principal of Sevastopol School in 2013, “is an active member of a group that would undo reforms that have already saved Door and Kewaunee Counties over 10 million dollars.”

The ads also advise people to tell Majeski “that Wisconsin already pays its fair share – government employees shouldn’t get a free pass,” and includes Majeski’s cell phone number.

The group they are referring to is public school educators.

One of the messages the Pulse received was from Majeski’s Republican opponent, Joel Kitchens, who, in addition to being a large animal veterinarian, serves as president of the Sturgeon Bay School Board.

“I’ve been on the school board for 15 years and built up good relations with the teachers, and this one throws them under the bus. That’s what I really hate about this. It undoes a lot of what you’ve been working on for years,” Kitchens said.

“It’s a tough situation. I talked to the Republican Party and they said, ‘Well, don’t come out strongly against them [the WMC] because the other side is going to be doing this. They’ve been doing it all over the state, too.’

“It puts me in a difficult position,” Kitchens said. “I want to make it clear that I was never contacted by WMC. I had nothing to do with those advertisements. If people have any questions as to where I stand, please call me. I have no control over third party ads, and both parties are likely to engage in them. I’d like to keep it about the issues.”

Kitchens’ telephone number, listed on his campaign website, is 920.333.0027.

The WMC did not respond to a telephone call from the Pulse. The WMC says this on its website:  “Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) is the state chamber of commerce, the state manufacturers’ association and the state safety council. Founded in 1911, WMC is Wisconsin’s leading business association dedicated to making Wisconsin the most competitive state in the nation. We work tirelessly to advance policies that are in the public interest of our state and nation. Currently, the association has nearly 3,800 members that include both large and small manufacturers, service companies, local chambers of commerce and specialized trade associations.”

• Dean DeBroux, Democratic candidate for Wisconsin’s 1st State Senate District, invited his challenger to a series of debates across the district before the Nov. 4 election. “I’m very much looking forward to debating [Sen. Frank] Lasee and expressing the stark contrasts between us,” said DeBroux. “Especially during a time when huge corporate money dominates our televisions and airwaves with political ads, it is critical that we provide an opportunity to outline our respective stances and visions for our state to voters in the 1st Senate District.” DeBroux requested debates in the three largest cities wholly within the district – Kimberly, Two Rivers and Sturgeon Bay. He said this would afford the greatest access to residents of Senate District 1 to see and hear the candidates discuss the key issues of importance to people who live in Northeast Wisconsin. 

• Statement on countywide collaboration and coordination from Lt. Tammy Sternard, Democratic candidate for Door County Sheriff:

“As a new Sheriff, I will ensure we are taking every opportunity to continually improve the services we provide the citizens of Door County. The needs of a community are constantly evolving in our ever changing world.

“I recognize the role of Sheriff is an important one within the County. Most importantly, through my years of leadership within the department, I know greatness cannot be achieved by just one. It takes a group of dedicated men and women to carry out the duties of the Sheriff’s Office, along with strong community involvement and support.

“I will maintain, develop and implement programs effectively solving issues through partnerships and collaboration with community partners to develop programming that will work toward effecting change.

“Many communities participate in programs that are alternatives to incarceration by utilizing mental health, substance abuse and veteran courts. These programs focus on addressing the issue and changing behavior. I do agree with the value of these programs within a community and would actively participate in any efforts to develop this type of programming here in Door County.

“Over my career I’ve had the opportunity to work with community partners developing programming within the correctional division and have seen the benefits of well-thought out programming.

“Transparency within the community is extremely important and I believe it inspires confidence and trust between the community and law enforcement.”

• Statement on job creation from 1st District Assembly Democratic candidate Joe Majeski:

“As a state representative, I pledge to focus on job creation starting day one. Highlighting opportunities for job creation and economic growth is especially critical at a time when Wisconsin is dead last among 10 Midwestern states in private-sector job growth and facing a $1.8 billion structural deficit.

“As a state representative, I will focus on five key areas in order to help create jobs and grow our economy:

Restore record cuts to Wisconsin’s public schools, which are the backbone of a strong economy and healthy, vibrant communities.

Reinvest in our technical colleges and job training programs and encourage partnership between local high schools, our technical colleges and the business community.

Expand broadband availability and speed throughout the 1st Assembly District.

Strengthen the tourism budget to support our tourism economy.

Increase the state minimum wage to $10.10 an hour, a move that is supported by 57 percent of Wisconsinites.

“I am ready to make job creation my primary focus as a member of the state Assembly. My opponent says he supports the policies of the current Republican legislature, which are clearly not working for Wisconsin’s middle-class, working families. With Wisconsin lagging behind in jobs and facing a staggering structural deficit, it is critical that elected officials put party politics aside to get our state headed in the right direction. By working in a bipartisan manner toward stronger public schools, more opportunities for job training and making sure our hardworking men and women can earn a living wage, we can get Wisconsin back on the right economic track.”