Tony Castañeda
Musician; artist
Democrat
Madison
Elected Experience
None
Q&A with the Candidate
Why should voters elect you?
I've lived in the 76th for over 50 years where I have raised my family and worked. I've been politically active in Madison since I arrived here in 1974. I am a radio host for the Thursday Buzz on WORT for 33 years where we address local, state, national and international issues. I feel I have a good understanding of the issues affecting this district and the State overall. I am here to fight back against the 15 year Republican agenda of attacking our public commons.
What is the top issue in your district? How would you address it?
Affordable housing is a big concern for renters and homeowners alike. The state needs to adequately fund our public schools so that Madisonian homeowners are not covering 75% of school district costs. We need to provide and develop more affordable rental housing so that people like me who work as cooks, artists, musicians, bartenders are able to stay in our neighborhoods. I like the idea of charging developers "linkage fees" to add to our city and school budgets or to fund more affordable housing.
How should Wisconsin government operate differently than in the past?
We should have the good of the public commons in mind when making policy which I don't feel the Republican majority has in the past. Along those lines it is imperative that Democrats win the Assembly or for that matter, all three branches of state government.
What is your favorite fun Wisconsin history fact?
Wisconsin is first in many areas of progressive policies but the fact that the first Kindergartens in the country were started in Wisconsin is one I like.