Fall election 2022: State Assembly Dist. 61 candidates Q&A

There will be a contested election for state Assembly Dist. 61 on the Nov. 8 ballot.

Appearing on the ballot will be:

  • Republican Amanda Nedweski
  • Democrat Max Winkels

Incumbent Samantha Kerkman did not run for re-election. She was elected Kenosha County executive in April. The district includes most of Western Kenosha County except Wheatland.

The same questionnaire was submitted by westofthei.com to each candidate by email. Winkels did not reply as of the time of our original posting, but subsequently submitted answers.

Here are the candidates’ biographical information followed by their question responses, presented in alphabetical order:

Amanda Nedweski — Age: 46; City, village, town where you reside: Pleasant Prairie; Education: B.A. Communication, UW-Parkside; Occupation: Corporate Financial Planning and Analysis; Previous elected or appointed public office: I currently serve as the Kenosha County Board Supervisor for District 16. Chair of the Human Services Committee, and member of the Legislative and Executive Committees. If elected to the State Assembly, I plan to remain on the county board. Many Assembly members also hold public office at the local level.

Max Winkels — Age: 65; City, village, town where you reside: Town of Randall; Education: Master of Public Administration, University of Missouri, 1997; Occupation: Musician, self-employed; Previous elected or appointed public office: None

1.) Why are you the best choice for state representative-61st Assembly Dist.?

Nedweski — As a lifelong resident of Kenosha County, I have witnessed firsthand the evolution and growth of our community over nearly five decades. Having lived and worked both in the city and the county, I have a broad understanding of how neighboring municipalities affect each other culturally, socially, and fiscally. This perspective is critical in my decision making as a County Board Supervisor, and it will be a key factor in representation of the diverse population of Wisconsin’s 61st Assembly District.  I know the people of Kenosha County, and they know me. That’s why I am a trusted and proven conservative leader. The rapid economic expansion affecting the 61st district has brought many gains to residents and businesses. However, it also must be tempered with careful diligence to preserve the balance of industries represented in our area while prioritizing quality of life for the people who live here. My extensive international background in corporate finance with a global agricultural manufacturing company is a powerful tool that facilitates positive relationship building among all stakeholders. Negotiation is a key skill that led to success in my business career, and I will keenly leverage that ability in the state legislature. Additionally, my experience as the spouse of a five-generation local family business owner provides the necessary insight to keep the preservation and support of our small businesses in the forefront of decision making. In addition, I have secured strong partnerships with community leaders through my tireless role as a grassroots champion for parental rights in education, medical freedom, and election integrity. Serving as the Vice-Chair of the Kenosha County chapter of Moms for Liberty contributed significantly to my decision to run for public office. Lastly, I am a no-nonsense mom of teen boys. I am running to represent hard working people whose voices have been ignored for too long. It’s time for common sense solutions to economic problems hitting families the hardest. For such a time as this, who better than a mother to take on the challenge? Parents are the last line of defense, and our time is now to step up and lead to protect the future for our children and grandchildren.

Winkels — There are three main things I will bring to state assembly. The first is in-depth experience on the front
lines in areas that are of great concern to all of us. I spent ten years in 911 communications and emergency management as a dispatcher and a director. My second career was eighteen years in healthcare as a manager and administrator. This gives me insight into these areas that my opponent lacks. I have been blessed with personal characteristics well suited for the job, including good listening skills, a good mind, interest in many issues, the ability to grasp complex issues, being cool under pressure, respectfulness and a sense of humor. I also have a set of personal values that will be helpful in the Assembly. These include a strong work ethic, seeking consensus on issues, finding creative solutions, loyalty and dedication to those I serve, willingness to work with everybody, a focus on issues (not personalities) and a dedication to truth

2.) What would be your top priorities if elected?

Nedweski — Fighting inflation, over-taxation, and over-regulation. Education reform and parental rights in education. Public safety – funding law enforcement; strong bail and sentencing reform. Fiscal accountability in government – eliminate wasteful spending, require transparency at all levels. Election integrity – enact laws that strengthen elections to restore trust in the voting process.

Winkels — There are many important issues and needs facing the 61th District and the state. Here are several that I
feel are most important. Competent government: This is perhaps not an obvious issue, yet is very important. Twelve years of GOP rule in the legislature has produced precious little of practical benefit for the people of the state. Poor
management and legislative neglect has made things demonstrably worse, such as our deteriorating roads and schools. We need legislators who will step and do the hard work of finding practical, affordable solutions for the needs of their fellow citizens. Climate change: There is concerning, sometimes alarming, news about climate change almost every day. The good news is that addressing climate change also provides tremendous economic opportunities. For
example, the Inflation Reduction Act provides billions of dollars of incentives for home energy improvements, advanced manufacturing and renewable energy. We can and must fix climate change and take advantage of the great economic opportunities that converting to clean energy will offer. Education: This is always a key issue, as it directly affects our ability to succeed in the world markets where we all now compete. A well-educated electorate is also critical for participating effectively in the democratic process. The legislature needs to increase revenue for public schools and support steps to improve the quality of education. Healthcare: The US has the most expensive healthcare system in the world; Wisconsin is in the top 20 states for healthcare expenses, literally making it one of the most expensive places on the planet to get sick. Yet, we do not get the best health results. We must lower costs and improve outcomes, starting
with accepting Medicaid expansion funds and controlling medication costs. Legalize marijuana: Nineteen states have legalized recreational marijuana use for adults, realizing billions of dollars in tax revenue. They have also replaced an illegal drug market with a legal one. Wisconsin needs to be the twentieth state to end the failed prohibition of marijuana.

3.) What does the state legislature need to do, if anything, regarding abortion?

Nedweski — The abortion 1849 law on the books in Wisconsin has gone through many revisions. An excellent history of Wisconsin abortion laws can be found at https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/misc/lrb/lrb_reports/history_of_abortion_laws_6_4.pdf. Being endorsed by Wisconsin Right to Life means that I agree with their stance on abortion. However, we are not living in 1849, and all lawmakers should be willing to take into account scientific discoveries and developments since the law was passed over 150 years ago.  In rare circumstances, options are not black and white, and I am obligated to continue my education on this issue so that decisions are fully informed. Before making updates or changes to ANY laws, we have the responsibility to include ALL available factual information in the lawmaking process.

Winkels — The Supreme Court took away a fundamental right from women this year. Just as bad, many state
governments, including Wisconsin’s, now feel emboldened to interfere in the most intimate decisions a woman and her family can make. One of the cornerstones of American democracy is uphold liberty, even when some do not agree with the choices that other make. Therefore, I support legislation that affirms a woman’s right and liberty to make the decisions that are right for her.

4.) What does the state legislature need to do, if anything, regarding elections?

Nedweski — The Wisconsin State Legislature has already passed numerous bills since 2020 that would strengthen our election process. These bills were all vetoed by Governor Evers. Progress has been made with the clarification of the Wisconsin State Supreme Court’s decision that the use of absentee ballot boxes is not permitted per the state constitution. To restore trust, existing election statutes need to be uniformly enforced and followed by every municipal clerk and at every poll location to work as intended.  Wisconsin has no excuse for not cleaning up the voter rolls.  Deceased voters, voters who have moved without updating their registration, and indefinitely confined voters who do not meet the criteria must be taken off of the registry. Because we have same day voter registration in our state, any accidental removals are easy to remedy with registration on voting day. Security can be enhanced by adopting systematic procedures to flag high numbers of registrations or absentee ballot requests at a single address. With advanced technology already being used by the state, we can partner with existing agencies to incorporate notifications of registrations that indicate locations that are not residential addresses, such as empty lots. Regardless of the outcome of 2020 election investigations and recounts, public perception of the fairness of elections has suffered. Legislators and elected officials have a high-priority obligation to address this distrust in ways that restore confidence in our sacred voting process.

Winkels — By all reputable accounts, the 2020 election was one of the most well-run ever. The first thing that needs
to occur is for the legislature to uphold those results by clearly stating that the election was well run and free of significant problems. In other words, honesty and strength of character are required. Sadly, these qualities have been notably absent among legislative leaders the in the Gableman travesty Second, the legislature should support the Wisconsin Election Commission and the municipalities that actually conduct elections by providing resources to continue to run free and fair elections. This includes funding for election workers and up to date equipment.
Third, there should be an election audit process, using sampling and statistical analysis. Voter registrations, ballot counts and other key points in the voting cycle should be checked to assure that they are working as planned, free of significant problems. Finally, the legislature needs to take steps to encourage voting, not to discourage it. I support
improvements such as weekend voting and increased use of mail voting to make voting as convenient for as many people as possible

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