Elizabeth McCrank
Educator
Democrat
MerrillElected Experience
Lincoln County Board (2020-present)
Q&A with the Candidate
Why should voters elect you?
Voters deserve respectful representation — a representative who shows up in and for the community. I am that respectful representative — with a track record of working for the people in local government and in community organizations. I've done real work and there is just no substitute for real work.
What is the top issue in your district? How would you address it?
It’d be nice if there was one "top" issue — but housing, (the tip of the issue iceberg) is tied to child care and elder services, and child care is just step 1 of Education. Together they make up a noose that strangles communities. The step that can cut the noose is variety. We need a variety of housing, not just many identical units mass produced but unsuitable for the neediest home seekers. We need those housing options clustered around different amenities depending upon the needs of different sectors of our community and we need multiple price and size points because one size does not fit all and it makes the problem worse. My strategy focuses on housing variety keyed to amenities and service areas.
How should Wisconsin government operate differently than in the past?
The single most important thing that must change in Wisconsin is how electoral maps are created. Gerrymandering is bad for all parties — even the party that engineers it — because it isolates lawmakers from electoral consequences. Voters are effectively disenfranchised and election winners have no accountability and act with reckless impunity. Wisconsin cannot afford to have lawmakers who do not actually answer to the people.
What is your favorite fun Wisconsin history fact?
My favorite fact is that Wisconsin was the undisputed leader in circuses in the 19th century, birthing over 100 travelling shows. And while Baraboo is great, my favorite circus place is Delavan — the home of P.T. Barnum's Greatest Show on Earth. Nothing makes me happier than to hear a calliope playing in a circus parade!