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Wisconsin Assembly, District 71/Asamblea de Wisconsin, Distrito 71

Wisconsin Legislative BranchWisconsin’s legislature makes state laws. The legislature has two houses: the Wisconsin Senate and the Wisconsin Assembly. Proposed laws (bills) can originate from either the state senate or assembly. Both houses must approve the bill before it is passed on to the governor for signature or veto. The legislature can override a veto with a two-thirds majority vote in each house. The legislature controls the spending of state funds through appropriation.Wisconsin AssemblyThe Wisconsin Assembly has ninety-nine representatives. Voters elect representatives to represent their assembly district for a two-year term. There is no term limit.__________Poder Legislativo de Wisconsin La legislatura de Wisconsin produce las leyes estatales. La legislatura consta de dos cámaras: el Senado de Wisconsin y la Asamblea de Wisconsin. Las propuestas de ley pueden originarse tanto en el Senado estatal como en la Asamblea. Ambas cámaras deben aprobar el proyecto de ley antes de transmitirla al gobernador para su firma o veto. La legislatura puede anular un veto con un voto mayoritario de dos tercios en cada cámara. La legislatura controla el gasto de los fondos estatales a través de las leyes de asignación. Asamblea de WisconsinLa Asamblea de Wisconsin tiene noventa y nueve representantes. Los votantes eligen representantes para representar a su asamblea de distrito por un término de dos años. No hay límite de términos.Nota: Las respuestas de los candidatos que aparecen en español se tradujeron de las respuestas originales de los candidatos en inglés.

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  • Candidate picture

    Vinnie Miresse
    (Dem)

  • Candidate picture

    Bob Pahmeier
    (Rep)

Biographical Information

Please describe your priorities for your term in office and your specific qualifications to effectively address those issues.

What do you see as the most pressing housing-related issue in Wisconsin, and what policies, if any, would you support to address the issue?

What redistricting process, if any, do you believe the legislature should put in place before the next national census to ensure fair representation for voters?

What initiatives, if any, would you support to promote environmental sustainability in Wisconsin?

What, if anything, will you do to ensure our schools have the resources to improve outcomes for its students, including those with disabilities?

WisEye Interview (If Available)

Campaign Mailing Address PO Box 458
Stevens Point, WI 54481
Education University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point– social sciences- history, anthropology, music
Personal Pronouns he/him/his
-Let's make Wisconsin purple with bipartisan leadership. I have a track record of working across the aisle in local government. -Protecting reproductive freedoms. -Repealing Act 10, "Right to Work," and prevailing wage laws. Let's restore the right for public sector unions to collectively bargain. -Public safety- making sure our emergency services have the resources they need, -Restoring data and science to our decision making while crafting policy and law. -Creating climate resilient policy based on our diverse geologic and cultural regions across Wisconsin. -Enfranchising voters and making it easier to participate in the democratic process, ensuring open, transparent, and accountable government to have your voice heard. -Expanding Medicaid to ensure healthcare coverage to all residents in need, -Making sure that all people feel included, welcome, and like they belong in our communities. I have over 7 years of proven experience as a local elected leader making positive change.
It is clear that we are in a housing crisis in WI. High demand for housing and the lack of affordability is one of the most pressing issues locally. WI needs diverse housing stock- single family homes, apartments, duplexes, efficiency apartments, mother-in-law dens, etc. I would support a relaxing in urban zoning laws to allow for more dense housing options. I would also advocate for stronger building codes in regard to the energy code. Good housing is energy efficient housing, and though it may cost more up front, it will save the occupant on their utility bills in the long run. It's the last thing we need is more cheap/poorly built homes in WI. We need homes crafted with thoughtful design, clean materials, and increased efficiency. We also need to find a way to help folks own their home. When people own their homes, they invest in their community, and neighborhoods prosper. Expanding first time homebuyer credits and low interest loans will help build equity within our communities.
Wisconsin must enact a non-partisan redistricting commission so we never have to litigate about gerrymandered maps ever again. As the author of Portage County's non-partisan redistricting resolution and referendum, I have advocated to end gerrymandering in Wisconsin and will continue to support a non-partisan redistricting commission until it is fulfilled.
Wisconsin must modernized its environmental and ecological practices. We must take a hard look at our DNR nutrient management plans when it comes to how were fertilizing our crops, so it not only optimizes crop yield, but also deeply considers the impacts to water, soil, and air. We must preserve clean water, soil, and air for future generations. A balance between ecology and economy must be found. WI also need to evaluate the renewable energy sector. We import nearly all of our energy in WI, but we sitting under the most readily available resource- the Sun. That means we have to modernize our renewable energy policy, and shake up the Public Service Commission, so the people of Wisconsin are represented, not just the current energy monopoly giants.
WI needs to fully fund its public schools. School funding cuts by the legislature's gerrymandered majority have devastated our public school system. Their "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" method doesn't work for all kids and families. Ensuring that every student has access to the resources they need is essential to to an educated society and a fully functioning democracy. The taxpayer funded private school voucher program is designed to pull funding away from and hurt public schools. I support a repeal of private school voucher program so our tax dollars will fund public schools for the benefit of all children and society.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Campaign Email bobforwi@gmail.com
Campaign Mailing Address PO Box 111
Plover, WI 54467
Education Lakeshore Technical College- Police Science, John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School - Fort Bragg, NC, Federal Law Enforcement Training Center - Glynco, GA, Mid-State Technical College - Accounting and Budgeting
Personal Pronouns He/him/his
As a veteran, husband, and father, with 29+ years of civil service, I’m committed to family, community, and leadership rooted in values. My approach is, “Listen More. Learn More. Do More.” I’ll listen to constituent concerns, gather accurate data from field experts, and finally recommend legislation supporting common-sense solutions for District 71.

My top priorities:

Address the rising costs of goods and services and reduce the tax burden on the middle class, retirees, and those paying for childcare. I want you to keep more of your hard-earned money and stop destructive efforts to raise taxes.

Strengthen our workforce by investing in job training, apprenticeship programs, and funding programs at UWSP and other higher learning institutions, that lead directly to employment.

Support quality healthcare, protect those with pre-existing health conditions from losing their coverage, and fight to lower prescription drug costs.

Address the shortage of affordable housing in our district.
The most pressing housing-related issue in Wisconsin is the shortage of home inventory and the affordability of those available. Here’s how I plan to address this issue: Support proven local initiatives and community-led housing projects that are tailored to address specific needs in the area. Support the expansion of initiatives and incentives offered by the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA). This includes increasing funding and resources for WHEDA’s affordable housing programs and economic development projects. Review these focus areas for improvement. - Flexible zoning policies - Streamlined permitting - Incentives and tax credits for developers - Low interest loans for homeowners to fund improvements and energy efficiency upgrades - Down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers By focusing on these key areas, we can start to move in the right direction to address the housing shortage and affordability crisis in Wisconsin.
The current process is rooted in the state constitution and legislative authority. The existing process includes judicial review, as a checks and balances system, to address concerns about unfair districting.

Legislators are accountable to the voters. If the public perceives the redistricting process as unfair, they have the power to vote out those representatives. The expectation is that elected officials represent the interest of all their constituents, regardless of political affiliation.

No system is without flaws, the stability and accountability provided by the current process outweighs the potential risks and uncertainties associated with changing it. Maintaining the established procedures ensures a balanced approach that respects constitutional foundations while providing and avenue to address and correct potential issues.
Wisconsin currently has initiatives led by state agencies, local governments, non-profit organizations, and private businesses that focus on clean energy, conservation, waste reduction, recycling, and sustainable agriculture.

I will continue to support:

Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program – funding acquisitions of land for conservation, public recreation, hunting, and fishing.

Producer-Led Watershed Protection Grant – Voluntary, incentive-based approach to support farmer-led initiatives improving water quality and soil health.

Managed Forest Law Program – Encourages private land owners to practice responsible forestry management through tax incentives.

Environmental awareness education in schools and communities.

Waste reduction, recycling, composting, and responsible disposal practices.

The vast majority of Wisconsin residents and businesses have adopted sustainable practices as normal operations because they realize the importance of conservation for future generations.
My goal in District 71 is responsible resource allocation to achieve educational excellence in our schools.

I will advocate for:

Increased state funding targeting special education services that ensure students with disabilities receive the support they need.

Efficient use of funding by minimizing administrative overhead and directing resources into the classroom, providing the greatest impact on students.

Teacher support and training through continuous professional development, particularly in special education and inclusive teaching practices.

Incentives for special education teachers that attract and retain their talents.

Empower school districts to make decisions on how to use state and federal funding to best address the unique needs of their students, including those with disabilities.

Greater parental involvement, clear communication with the school regarding their children’s education.

Use of technology that enhances educational accessibility and effectiveness.
Candidate has not yet responded.