Opinion
Milwaukee county executive has qualification to be governor
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Also by Zach Day:
- MPS in need of new leadership (April 6, 2009)
- Amtrak proposal unrealistic (March 2, 2009)
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Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker formally announced his candidacy for the 2010 Wisconsin gubernatorial election on Tuesday. In a rally held in Dane, Wis., he calls into question Gov. Doyle’s policies in dealing with the state’s economic hardship: “For years, too many politicians in Madison ignored the looming crisis so they could continue to spend more and more taxpayer’s dollars. Now their solution to soaring budget deficits and record job losses is to call for more government spending — paid for with higher taxes on Wisconsin families and employers.”
For those who might think this article is just going to be another orgy of praise for a candidate this writer supports, you are not too far off. I do support Scott Walker, and I have supported him since his election to Milwaukee County Executive in 2002.
However, I am not blind. It is easy to conclude the above quote is nothing more than a rally cry to all conservatives, penny pinchers and new “tea party” members in this state to gather a front against our current governor. Tuesday’s speech was little more than a campaign kickoff. Nonetheless, he did bring up some concerns most conservative Republicans have with our current administration. With a current budget deficit of close to $5.9 billion in our state, pushing for more state spending would make any fiscal conservative shit his pants.
Yes, I understand my critics will cite that our governor has a record of not raising taxes in this state. But, he has also raised most fees in Wisconsin significantly to gain the money needed to support his policy, as well as fudge the data on his record of “success.” Just ask any car owner how much registration fees increased during Doyle’s tenure.
Having been elected in a recall election of former Country Executive Tom Ament, Walker inherited a debt of millions of dollars due to a pension scandal that still plagues Milwaukee to this day. Given the chance of success at the time, Walker exceeded expectations by cutting the county’s debt by 10 percent, reducing the county workforce by 23 percent and successfully authoring seven consecutive budgets without raising property taxes — all in two terms of office. During 2008, Milwaukee County actually had a surplus, even during the downward spiral of the economy. With a track record like this, Walker can lower one of the most highly taxed states in the nation and better manage the budget.
If and when our current governor decides to run for reelection, the economy and the current budget will be the most debated issues. Honestly, this is not our governor’s strongest area. He will give us his one-trick talk about the importance of education. Don’t get me wrong, I am proud to say, nationally, Wisconsin is highly ranked in education, and I won’t deny credit to him. However, when you enter an office with a $3.2 billion deficit from the Thompson/McCallum administration only to see it rise to a $5.9 billion deficit, I can’t do much other than criticize your ability to handle a budget.
Given the current economy of our state, it’s illogical to tax people more — taking more out of their pocket will only push citizens into pinching everything they have. It won’t do us any good now nor will it do us any good in the future. Scott Walker, with his proven ability to handle a budget, will do wonders for the people of Wisconsin. Walker has proven he can balance the budget while improving the quality of life in Wisconsin. The inability of our state government to address the downward turn in the economy means it’s time to try something new. Is Scott Walker the man to change things? We will wait and see. His budget expertise is his most attractive trait, but I will wait to see his other plans for Wisconsin before I can proudly shout: “I believe in Wisconsin.”
Zach Day (zday@wisc.edu) is a freshman majoring in journalism.
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Zach, I wonder if those 23% of county workers Scott Walker cut are just living on welfare right now? We either pay them to work, or we pay them to sit at home.
You do not want someone to shrink spending right now. By Keynesian economics, simply: the more you save, the poorer you get. We need liquid money right now, and Scott Walker, you, and the tea-baggers don't realize that the government is the only entity that can liquefy wealth/credit right now.
In addition, Walker is a college drop-out; Doyle has a JD from Harvard.
Dude's not gonna make it out fo the primary....again.
Forgive me for disagreeing with the previous comment, but I definitely think that when it comes to politics experience and a good track record speak volumes more than a degree.
As a county resident its stunning how terrible milwaukee county parks are compared to what they once were. Its awful
Walkers just gonna try to privatize everything
"Walker has proven he can balance the budget while improving the quality of life in Wisconsin."
Really? Is that why the state had to yank child protective services away from Milwaukee County?
I'm going to guess you're from Germantown or Delafield, Zach, because no one outside the Milwaukee 'burbs thinks Walker has a chance.
Keynesian economics don't work in the real world
You've supported Walker since 2002? Math isn't necessarily my strongest subject, but if you are a freshman, doesn't that mean you were twelve during that election? Saying you've supported him for a long time is fine and great, except when you've been supporting him since before you've been employed, paying taxes, or doing anything besides playing Pokemon.
LOL at 7:29, you act as though Keynesian economics is the end-all, be-all view of present economics.
But hey, I'll play along. You do realize that taxes, in the Keynesian model, are viewed as an equivalent to reduction in income? Since taxes directly affect consumption, if/when Doyle raises taxes to make up for his budget shortfall, people will have less money to consume. Is that what you really want, especially in a recession like we have now?
While Milwaukee technically had a surplus in 2008, I wouldn't praise Walker for that. As a Milwaukee resident, I would rather see us go in the red by increasing spending on safer public transportation, a better recycling program, or funding for after school programs that are collapsing. Just because Walker was fiscally responsible doesn't mean his actions were the best for Milwaukee. I would gladly pay higher taxes if it would better the many rotting aspects of Milwaukee.
Are you even a Milwaukee resident or tax payer, Zach? Perhaps being one or both of these would enlighten you on why Walker doesn't have much support in Milwaukee.
"As a county resident its stunning how terrible milwaukee county parks are compared to what they once were. Its awful
Walkers just gonna try to privatize everything"
Errr...according to this article:
http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/43538342.html
The parks are up for a national award for excellence. It also states funding has risen for parks since '04. Got any stats to prove they're falling apart?
As a milwaukee resident and taxpayer i can say that i would not be happy to pay even higher taxes for recycling programs and after school programs that don't in any way affect me, scott walker is the only person in county government that is currently on the side of the taxpayer and i agree that in this aspect, his experience speaks volumes more than the degree that doyle paid for
Who cares if Walker is a bad choice. Doyle, a Harvard graduate, was a dumb choice, and he has a degree to prove it. Hey, Bill Gates dropped out of Harvard and look where he's at now. If dropouts can do a better job, they get my vote.
7:29, there are a lot of liberal tea-baggers too. They felt betrayed by Obama and they joined the tea party rallies. Go ahead and stick up for Obama all you want, but calling us conservatives and sore-loser Republicans is pretty stupid. There is a name for people like you: stoned.
For all of you questioning my background, I have lived in West Allis every minute of my life, so I think I am qualified to comment on subjects like this.
10:38, if your only problem with him is that the "county parks" are unlike what they use to be under his term, then you are either stretching to find something wrong, or your priorities are skewed. I must say, the last time I went golfing at Brown Deer park, I was satisfied.
1:01, Could it be that I had interest in politics when I was in 6th grade? Actually, you caught me on that, I was too busy being excited that I caught Mewto with a Great Ball. Greatest accomplishment of my life.
1:47, Being a taxpayer in Milwaukee county, I applaud Scott Walker for not using the money I work hard for on unnecessary programs that don't work. Outside of Milwaukee itself, are those problems you suggested a concern in all cities of Milwaukee county? Remember, he is the County Executive, not the Mayor of Milwaukee. Also, being the main overseer of the budget, a surplus is his doing and should be praised.
"In addition, Walker is a college drop-out; Doyle has a JD from Harvard."
well Bush had an MBA from Harvard. Perhaps you would like him to run for governor?
"By Keynesian economics, simply: the more you save, the poorer you get."
You might as well have said "By magic, simply: riding unicorns allow you find the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow."
Both statement are equally applicable to the real world.
Zach Day, you sir are the dirtiest liar of all...not because of the article but because no one can catch Mewto with a Great Ball... ultra ball if you are lucky, but you lie through your teeth
Zach,
Yes, programs mentioned in 1:47 do affect the cities, towns, and villages outside of the city of Milwaukee. The Milwaukee COUNTY Transit System runs throughout all of the county, from Milwaukee to Greenfield to West Allis to Wauwatosa to Glendale to Brookfield and everywhere in between. Whether you realize it or not, MCTS provides the park and ride services to summer attractions as well as transportation to school for many high school and college students. So I would definitely say the transit system is important to all of the county.
As I commute from Brookfield to the downtown area every Monday through Friday through some rougher areas of town, I think better bus security is a necessity that affects all county residents.
Alright, everyone, since you think penny pinching is the answer, let's do that. No more government spending on ridiculous things, like medicine for grandma or "infrastructure," or f-tard college kids.
Call your grandma tonight and tell her you'll take her in, feed her, pay for her dialysis and medicine, and give her daily sponge baths so she doesn't get bed sores.
All those free-market capitalists Bush's tax cuts created should be ready to save the day in 3...2...1... Wait, nothing's happening? OMG, the free market isn't working!!!
Zach: how do you call yourself a taxpayer in Milwaukee county? Unless you own a home or something and pay property taxes the only taxes you pay are income and sales tax which really don't amount to much...
Doyle inherited a multi-billion dollar deficit from Tommy Thompson and you complain that he's fiscally irresponsible because he raised fees?
Sure, vote for Walker. If he wins, he'll bankrupt the state and you'll say Doyle was to blame, but you'll get exactly what you deserve.
"Sure, vote for Walker. If he wins, he'll bankrupt the state and you'll say Doyle was to blame, but you'll get exactly what you deserve."
I think someone said that about Obama... funny how people can blame Bush for Obama's problems. The blame game never works. Fix it when you are in office or you are to blame too.
Scott Walker is "qualified"? Hardly. Other than proposing perpetual tax cuts, what are his proposals? What exactly will he cut to offset our loss of tax revenue from the recession as well as his new tax cuts?
We've proven time and again that the supply side promises of booms in revenue due to tax cuts are mere fantasy. I wonder how Scottie boy intends to make this sell. Probably like most Republicans he will ignore facts and hope people are not paying attention.