Maureen McCarville
State representative
Democrat
DeForest
Elected Experience
Wisconsin State Assembly (2025-present); Dane County Board (2012-present); DeForest Village Board (1999-2003)
Q&A with the Candidate
Why should voters elect you?
District 42 deserves a representative willing to listen to them and work hard to address their needs. I have traveled throughout the district over the past 2+ years talking to people about everyday issues they face and focusing my work on their concerns. I consider political office to be a public service, not a sport, and have demonstrated my willingness to work across the aisle to advocate for my district. I have devoted the past 30 years of my life to finding solutions to everyday problems facing our citizens and working to implement those solutions without limitations based on ideology, personal preference or preconceived biases. I am always willing to discuss any issue with any constituent regardless of political philosophy or party.
What is the top issue in your district? How would you address it?
Not surprisingly, affordability is clearly the No. 1 issue people are raising with me. From seniors who cannot afford their medications, to families who have been priced out of the healthcare system to farmers facing bankruptcy due to dramatic increases in costs of fertilizers and diesel fuel, the middle and lower classes are suffering. We need to reduce the cost of housing by removing school levies from property tax bills and funding them through general revenues. We have to look at funding local road improvements through non-property tax options such as toll roads or perhaps authorizing local sales taxes. We should focus on reducing taxes on necessities like basic housing and shifting the burden to voluntary purchases and activities where people have a choice.
How should Wisconsin government operate differently than in the past?
We need to create a viable and sustainable method of funding public schools without raising property taxes. We need to recognize the economic value of our tourism industry and adequately fund the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship grant program, DNR fisheries operations and other projects that make people want to spend their money in Wisconsin. We also have to get past the embarrassment of being the only state in the Union that does not recognize Veterans Day. To do that, we need leadership that will allow elected legislators to vote on reasonable bills regardless of which party introduced them. We have to get back to focusing on policy instead of politics.
What is your favorite fun Wisconsin history fact?
Not many people know that the first kindergarten classes in the United States were taught in Watertown Wisconsin in the home of German settlers in the mid-1850s.