[media-credit name=’BRYAN FAUST/Herald photo’ align=’alignnone’ width=’648′][/media-credit]As the lead assembly author of the controversial gay marriage amendment, Rep. Mark Gundrum, R-New Berlin, has actively urged the Wisconsin Assembly to protect the state's conservative values.

Along with other Republican lawmakers, Gundrum introduced Senate Joint Resolution 53, the proposed constitutional amendment that would define marriage as only a union between a man and woman.

According to Gundrum, being involved in his community is what got him started in politics and with issues such as SJR 53.

"While I grew up I was very involved delivering newspapers, playing little league, school, and later on I decided to run for local office," Gundrum said. "A while later, a seat for state Assembly opened up and I decided to run."

That decision led him to a 1998 victory in the 84th Assembly District, a re-election in 2000 and most recently, the SJR 53 proposition.

"[SJR 53] will prevent an activist majority of four out of the seven Wisconsin Supreme Court justices from legalizing same sex marriage through the courts, as in Massachusetts," Gundrum said.

Although popular among Republican backers, the proposed amendment has faced widespread opposition by state Democrats and gay-rights groups, alike.

Josh Freker, spokesperson for Action Wisconsin, expressed concern regarding the amendment's potentially negative impact on the state.

According to Freker, Action Wisconsin has been fighting the proposed gay marriage ban, known by Republicans as the "Defense of Marriage Act," since it was introduced in 2004.

"We have been working on defeating it by educating the public about this issue before it reaches public ballot in November, as we feel it will," he said.

Freker additionally questioned the priorities of amendment supporters, pointing to the measure's negative message.

"It is unfortunate that Rep. Gundrum has made [SJR 53] such a priority, to exclude gay families from legal protection with this constitutional amendment," Freker said. "We know people in his district who will be hurt by this, and he is failing to listen."

A public referendum on the amendment is expected to take place Nov. 7, 2006.

And not only has Gundrum had his sights set on the gay marriage issue, he has also been active in other recent legislation, including a measure to allow licensed Wisconsin citizens to carry concealed weapons.

The contentious concealed-carry bill, also known as Senate Bill 403, was recently vetoed by Gov. Jim Doyle. After a successful override attempt by the state Senate last month, the Assembly failed to garner enough votes to overturn the governor's veto.

As a co-sponsor of SB 403, Gundrum said he feels the citizens should have the right to carry guns in order to "protect themselves and their family."

According to Gundrum, his recent involvement with such hot-button issues reflects his efforts to effectively represent his constituent base, which is largely comprised of New Berlin residents.

"As I went along and got involved, I chose my issues by which I had ability to affect, especially those issues of concern to me and my constituents," Gundrum said.

Though he said he was initially unsure of what he wanted to accomplish as a state official, Gundrum said he was sure he wanted to be a good representative.

"If you are going to spend the time to be in a state position it makes sense to be in a leadership position," Gundrum said, referring to his position as chair of both the Assembly Republican Caucus and Judiciary Committee.

While Gundrum said he enjoys being an active member of the state Assembly, he added he has not ruled out further political goals.

"My aspirations are to serve the citizens of the area of where I grew up as effectively and in the most honest manner as a dignified statesman can," Gundrum said. "And if opportunity opens up to make it more beneficial to represent the citizens of my area, I will consider it."