Compiled by the League of Women Voters of the Stevens Point Area

STEVENS POINT – The Nov. 3 general election will see contested area races in the state assembly and the state senate.

The League of Women Voters of the Stevens Point Area invited these candidates to tell a little about themselves and weigh in on state issues.

Responses were received from Paul Piotrowski, challenger for the position of state senator representing the 24th District.  The incumbent, Patrick Testin declined to participate.

Responses from the State Assembly District 71 race may be found in the Oct. 2 edition of the Portage County Gazette or at https://stevenspoint.wpengine.com.

Paul Piotrowski

Piotrowski

Residence: City of Stevens Point

Age: 56

Work/Education: Retired police officer; BS Degree in Political Science UWSP, 1986; US Navy Officer, 1987-1995; Police officer/sergeant 1990-2017; Stevens Point city clerk, 2018-20.

Why are you running for office:

I believe Central and West Central Wisconsin residents need representation that reflects the values of the area. As a lifetime resident who has worked and raised a family here, I know we succeed when we work together to address the issues facing our communities. I have a track record of service to the community and a perspective that would be helpful in addressing issues facing our area and across the state.

What make you the better candidate:

Serving as a police officer for almost 27 years and city clerk for the 2018 midterms elections, gives me a unique insight into important issues impacting working families. My commitment to this community has provided me the knowledge and understanding of how to create common sense solutions to address problems because I have been implementing those solutions throughout my entire career.

What are residents telling you are their most important issues, and how would you address them:

I hear from voters all the time that healthcare, the economy, and COVID-19 are the top issues this election cycle. Wisconsin is one of only 12 States that has not accepted Medicaid Expansion. Accepting the expansion would allow 80,000 Wisconsinites to qualify for Badgercare. The Economic assistance to address COVID-19 has focused on large companies as opposed to small businesses and communities. We need the legislature and the Governor to work together because people across the State are struggling.

What are top two issues the Legislature should address:

The Legislature should immediately vote to expand Badgercare and insure an additional 80,000 people. We also need to create targeted assistance programs for small businesses and communities that are struggling during COVID-19.

What should the Legislature be doing to help address COVID-19:

The legislature has not met since March. Lawmakers should be showing up to work and listening to doctors and public health experts to create criteria to safely reopen and conduct business in the State. The legislature and the Governor need to have a coordinated response. We need accessible testing to drive down infection rates so that our kids can go back to school, workers feel safe, and we can safely get our economy and communities back on track.

What can it do to help those affected by COVID-19:

The Legislature can work to provide accessible testing, economic relief for small businesses, and work together with the Governor to implement a coordinated response.

In your view, how big of a problem is racial injustice and discrimination and what should be done about it:

Racial discrimination exists in society and we need to start by acknowledging that it exists. We all have unconscious biases and we need to be aware of how those biases impact our behavior. We can address these biases through educating ourselves and talking with people of color about their experiences. Everyone deserves to live in a community where they feel safe, have equitable access to opportunities, and are not discriminated against because of who they are.