A candidate forum was held on Tuesday night at the Hatch Public Library in Mauston between the two Democratic candidates, Pat Bomhack and Ernie Wittwer,running for Senate District 17 seat. The primary election is Tuesday, August 12. Polls open at 7am and close at 8pm. Here are the questions and responses from the forum.
*Questions were asked by members of the audience, the Juneau County Democratic Party, Juneau County Peace and Justice Committee, SOUL of Wisconsin, and other various issue groups.
Wisconsin’s teen birthrate has fallen dramatically since 1990 as the result of a very successful statewide Family Planning Program. Despite proven results and proven cost effectiveness, the Family Planning Program is under consistent political threats. How would you act to protect statewide access to affordable and confidential family planning services?
Ernie Wittwer
Pat Bomhack
Wisconsin won the first state plan amendment creating a permanent family planning expansion under Medicaid. Wisconsin’s Medicaid family program was estimated to save $50 million its first year by preventing births that would have been paid for by Medicaid. Ironically, the program has been attacked by people who claim to be against abortion, seeming to miss the point that preventing unwanted pregnancies prevents abortion. What are your beliefs regarding the relationship between access to family planning and abortion rates? Would you support continuation of Wisconsin’s proven family planning program expansion?
Pat Bomhack
Ernie Wittwer
With the implementation of Act 10, the rules for union certification were redrawn. To re-certify, unions need to get 50% plus one of all employees eligible to vote for recertification. For example, a union that has 1,000 possible members, in order to recertify, 500 and one members would need to vote in favor of to win recertification election. These standards are much higher than the simple majority of voters that politcians face in their elections. Do you think that 50% plus one recertification election standards of Act 10 are fair? Would you be willing to move forward if elected to make this process more simple and fair like elections where a simple majority of those voting would be the standard?
Ernie Wittwer
Pat Bomhack
According to the census bureau, 13.1% of Juneau County residents live below the poverty level. This is higher than the state average of 12.5%. What measures would you support to reduce the high levels of poverty?
Pat Bomhack
Ernie Wittwer
Would you support raising the minimum wage to $10.10?
Ernie Wittwer
Pat Bomhack
Wisconsin is facing plans for several new high capacity transmission lines, including the proposed Badger-Coulee, which is now under review. What would you back or introduce as legislation for Wisconsin energy planning and policy that would support Wisconsin rate-payer priorities?
Pat Bomhack
Ernie Wittwer
Should the mining of silica sand be allowed in Wisconsin? Why or why not?
Ernie Wittwer
Pat Bomhack
Should the school voucher program continue in Wisconsin? Why or why not?
Pat Bomhack
Ernie Wittwer
The EPA recently released its Clean Power Plan, which will reduce the amount of harmful carbon pollution coal fired power plants emit. States have flexibility to achieve their reduction targets through energy efficiency, clean energy, increase natural gas usage or increase nuclear energy. How do you believe Wisconsin should meet its target? If elected, what role will you play to see that happen?
Ernie Wittwer
Pat Bomhack
In Citizens United, the Supreme Court ruled that corporations are people, therefore money is speech. Do you agree? Why or why not? What role do you see yourself playing to work towards overturning this decision?
Pat Bomhack
Ernie Wittwer
Currently, there are 15 Wisconsin counties considering referendum to ask Governor Scott Walker to change his mind on not accepting federal dollars designated to expand state medicaid programs. The Legislature has instituted tax levy caps that restrict of counties to generate more revenue to offer such services. Where do you stand on this issue? Are you in favor of accepting federal dollars to expand Medicaid? If not, why?
Ernie Wittwer
Pat Bomhack
How can we create more tax equity for small businesses?
Pat Bomhack
Ernie Wittwer
Property owners pay a disproportion amount of tax for schools. How can we ensure proper school funding and reduce tax burdens for land owners?
Ernie Wittwer
Pat Bomhack
The last legislature passed a bill requiring mandatory vaginal ultrasounds for women who need to terminate a pregnancy. This law applies even if the pregnancy is a result of rape, incest, or medical necessity. How would you explain the limits to which the state legislature should require medically unnecessary procedures to further religious and ideological views?
Pat Bomhack
Ernie Wittwer
Governor Walker has taken a position that the US Supreme Court decision to exempt religious employers from women’s preventative health requirements in federal law, will now be applied in Wisconsin law that for many years has required insurance companies to provide contraceptives benefits with no exemptions. The Supreme Court decision on federal law was not a constitutional decision and has nothing to do with Wisconsin law. How do you feel about this example of picking and choosing of which laws to enforce?
Ernie Wittwer
Pat Bomhack
Why does Minnesota with the same population have half as many people in prison as Wisconsin. How would you address it?
Pat Bomhack
Ernie Wittwer
To understand the state and the district, you have to have roots. What are your roots, what is your family history, with the state and the district?
Ernie Wittwer
Pat Bomhack
Scott Walker recently said he wants to expand Act 10 to include firefighters and police officers. How do you feel about the expansion of Act 10 to include these groups?
Pat Bomhack
Ernie Wittwer
How can we revitalize our rural communities to attract young people?
Ernie Wittwer
Pat Bomhack
What real world experience uniquely qualifies you for serving in the state Senate?
Pat Bomhack
Ernie Wittwer
Could the state make it fair to pay for school tax in each district? Example: School needs $10,000 to run 100 people in one district. Could everyone have the same amount?
Ernie Wittwer
Pat Bomhack
How would you differentiate from your Democratic opponent?
Pat Bomhack
Ernie Wittwer