Bridget Maniaci
Shopkeeper
Democrat
Milwaukee
Elected Experience
Madison City Council (2009-2013)
Q&A with the Candidate
Why should voters elect you?
"With deep roots in Milwaukee and four years of elected experience as a progressive alderperson, I have a clear focus on delivering funds and state resources to help District 19 and Milwaukee. The incumbent has failed to get any legislation votes in four years AND hasn’t leveraged state resources. Frequently crusading for international and federal causes, he’s consistently voted against critical state spending for Milwaukee (Act 12) and chooses protests over results without focus on the role and responsibilities of this position. He was out of the country for three weeks and silent when we experienced record flooding. I’ll use my office to be present in the community, lead the fight to improve infrastructure and funding, create more affordable housing, and make Milwaukee more accessible. "
What is the top issue in your district? How would you address it?
Affordability is the resounding theme — including utility bills, groceries, and rent. Housing assessments and property taxes have been rising significantly, as are the cost of repairs to vehicles getting damaged navigating Milwaukee’s crumbling and flooding streets — issues driven by how Republicans systemically cut funds and governing resources from Milwaukee. The solution is changing state formulas for shared revenue to municipalities; investing in repealing commercial and manufacturing tax loopholes (billions of dollars) for infrastructure costs; funding climate resilient infrastructure, replacing lead pipes, and safe streets/pothole repairs. Lowering utility and grocery costs require muscular regulatory oversight against monopolistic and peak pricing behavior. Lowering rents can happen through expanded WHEDA funds and incentive programs, reinstating and expanding pre-2011 tenant protection laws, and annual caps on rent increases.
How should Wisconsin government operate differently than in the past?
The biggest change we need is how Wisconsin’s government has long undermined Milwaukee both legislatively and fiscally. Our schools, taxes, roads: This city is Wisconsin’s economic engine, and we need the state to invest in our infrastructure, quality, and affordability. The state surplus shows there is money available, but we’re not being set up for success. I have a roadmap for how to open up hidden fund opportunities that Milwaukee can leverage for use in new housing, park infrastructure, better transit, and safer streets for everyone. As climate change drives more interest in relocations to Milwaukee, I’m prepared and experienced in utilizing public funding and revenue sources to build Milwaukee for its future and move beyond the trauma of its past disinvestment.
What is your favorite fun Wisconsin history fact?
I love that Dungeons & Dragons was created in Wisconsin, and that the manuscripts for The Lord of the Rings trilogy permanently reside here. With all of its beer, Wisconsinites may be seen as happy Hobbits in the Shire, but a real Trumpian Eye of Mordor regularly turns its attention here and we need to ready a collaborative defense of our precious democracy. During the pandemic, I built new friendships playing D&D. Using imagination and storytelling abilities to fight trolls across faraway lands is a helpful real life skill set today. D&D is great training for working with colleagues to accomplish the incredible. As your state representative, I will use similar teamwork to find smart, creative solutions to our problems in real life.