Wisconsin’s top gubernatorial candidates spoke at the Monona Terrace Wednesday, focusing on the economy and job creation before the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
The “Throwdown at the Capitol” event was hosted by the WRA and restaurant owners from across the state had the chance to speak directly with the candidates about their positions on issues facing small businesses, according to the WRA website.
Attending and speaking at the event were Wisconsin’s top three candidates for governor: Republicans Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker and former Congressman Mark Neumann, and Democrat Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett.
All three candidates focused on the issue of creating more jobs in Wisconsin and getting the economy back on track.
The Restaurant Lobby day started with a “how to lobby” seminar and was followed by a briefing and a short question and answer session.
After lunch, the group relocated to the State Capitol for legislative visits, then finished with a reception in the Signature Lounge at the Best Western Inn on the Park, according to the WRA website.
During his speech, Walker placed significant emphasis on lowering taxes throughout the state, said Jill Bader, spokesperson for Walker. She added Walker wants to see the government disentangle itself from citizens’ lives and give everyone more personal freedom to help the economy recover. Part of his vision is to see “[Wisconsin] moving forward.”
Neumann said his interest lies in better education, which stems from a background of teaching in various institutions across Wisconsin.
“I would like to see Wisconsin have some of the best educated children in the world,” Neumann said.
Like Walker, Neumann said he supported less government regulation and reducing taxes. He added that he feels increasing jobs in Wisconsin is the most important issue on which to focus.
Neumann said he felt he was able to relate to the members of the WRA due to his experience working in restaurants during his high school and college years. He added the event was very well received.
Phil Walzak, spokesperson for Barrett, said Barrett came to the event with a clear and concise plan to fix Wisconsin’s economic situation.
Walzak added that Barrett plans to help the companies keep their existing jobs and bring new companies into Wisconsin to create more jobs.
Barrett wants to have a thorough top to bottom review of the economic policies of many companies and focus on what works and what does not work so they can strengthen the companies and improve the economy, Walzak said
Working hand in hand with businesses is a very important aspect that Barrett feels will further help to create more jobs, Walzak said. He added that Barrett feels that a “stronger and better Wisconsin is worth fighting for.”
The WRA fights legislation that is bad for small businesses and works to support legislation that helps the food-service industry as a whole, according to the WRA website.
Their main concerns are opposing property tax expansion to leases and permits, fighting against increases on taxes for small businesses and opposing indexing the minimum wage for inflation rates.
