Nate Pollnow
Beef farmer and auctioneer
Republican
Town of Elba
Elected Experience
Town of Elba Board, chair
Q&A with the Candidate
Why should voters elect you as Secretary of State?
For the last 40 years, the secretary of state has either been someone who just wanted a paycheck or someone who was angling for another political office. I actually want to do the job and to bring transparency and openness to state government. As a small business owner and second-generation beef farmer, I have never backed away from hard work. I have spent my live in service to others through my work in local government and in my commuity, and I will bring that same eithic and approach to the secretary of state's office, holding all politicians accountable, regardless of partisan affiliation.
What expertise would you bring to the Secretary of State’s office and how would it help Wisconsinites?
I would bring an outsider's perspective to the office that I think is needed in what should be a watchdog role for state government. As a farmer, you can't fake results. As secretary of state, I will bring the transparency and honesty to state government that cuts through the legalese and political posturing so voters can know exactly what their government is doing.
Should the Secretary of State be given more or fewer responsibilities? Explain.
Many voters I talk to wonder what exactly the secretary of state even does. Others will say "Not much." And they're partly right. According to the state constitution, the secretary of state is responsible for keeping “a fair record of the official acts of the legislature and executive branch” as well as keeping track of the official state seal. Some members of my own party have tried to sideline the secretary of state's office and limit its responsibilities, but I disagree with that approach. While the last thing we need is more bureaucracy in Madison, taxpayers deserve someone who actually wants to do the job. I believe the current responsibilities, when executed with energy and purpose, are appropriate for the office.
What is your favorite fun Wisconsin history fact?
We all know Wisconsin is an agricultural and manufacturing powerhouse, but did you know that we supply 25% of all the nation's cheese, we're the top cranberry producing state supplying 60% of all cranberries harvested in the U.S., we're one of the leading ginseng producers in the world, and we rank No. 1 in the country in paper mills and employees.