Steve Doyle
Mediator; state representative
Democrat
Town of Onalaska
Elected Experience
Wisconsin State Assembly (2011-present); La Crosse County Board (1986-present), chair (2002-2011).
Q&A with the Candidate
Why should voters elect you?
I’m proud of my record of bipartisan successes in the state Legislature, but there is still so much more I would like to accomplish. I want to revisit the recent property tax cut/education funding deal and get it right. We have a surplus and that should be put to work making life more affordable for everyone, and ensuring our schools have the resources they need to be successful.
What is the top issue in your district? How would you address it?
Affordability is the top issue in the district. Everything is more expensive these days: gas, groceries, healthcare, childcare, the list goes on. We need to lower taxes for the middle class, cut property taxes, rein in the cost of healthcare, and work with our farmers and grocers to make food more affordable. We have a 2.5 billion dollar surplus that could be put to work right away, but that’s just the start.
How should Wisconsin government operate differently than in the past?
As a mediator by trade I know first hand that the quickest way to success is bringing everyone to the table to work together. We saw a glimpse of this with the passage of the state budget this session when both parties in both legislative houses all got together with the Governor to craft the final budget. At the same time, the recent property tax cut deal fell apart because several parties were not at the table for the negotiation. I believe for any major policy we should bring everyone to the table to negotiate. That’s the only way things get done.
What is your favorite fun Wisconsin history fact?
The Wisconsin Capitol building has 40,000 light bulbs. When the classes of fourth graders visit the Capitol for a tour I like to tell them that fact, then, later I will visit the classroom to talk about my role in government. I ask them how many light bulbs are in the Capitol and all their hands shoot in the air. Talking about State Government with those classes is one of the best parts of being a state legislator.