Charly Ray
Forester; small business owner
Democrat
Washburn
Elected Experience
Town Board member (10 years); chair (8 years); County Board (7 years)
Q&A with the Candidate
Why should voters elect you?
Because I am passionate about a government in service of the people. I know the people and land of northwest Wisconsin and am ready to faithfully represent the community. I am a county supervisor, small business owner and forester. I am a listener, problem solver and negotiator who looks for creative ways to deliver better government. I believe in democracy, the Constitution, the rule of law and will stand up for our rights. I will work to address issues from the big picture — Badgercare buy-in for all — to small scale — reducing burdensome training requirements for volunteer EMS personnel. I will bring a real world common sense approach to Madison.
What is the top issue in your district? How would you address it?
School funding. We need formula reform, voucher reform and bureaucracy reduction. The school funding formula from 1993 is overdue for revision. It’s not fair, especially to rural areas, causing disparities in costs to local schools and in tax burdens on local property owners. Vouchers shouldn’t be funded from school levies, but transition plans. Local tax bills should state the levy going to private schools. Private schools getting state aid should follow rules and reporting similar to public schools. Finally, vouchers should be systematically reduced with consideration for areas like Milwaukee where vouchers are filling a need. Difficult conversations about consolidation should be supported with creative solutions and funding to find solutions that work for our communities. We must reduce bureaucratic limits and burdens on schools.
How should Wisconsin government operate differently than in the past?
Less bureaucracy and more service to the people. Less partisanship over serving the public good. Government should focus on real solutions to problems of everyday needs and mainstreet small businesses. Government is a tool for investment in our communities and we should treat it as such.
What is your favorite fun Wisconsin history fact?
The Green Bay Packers are incorporated as a cooperative, owned by over 500,000 shareholders who vote on management policies.