11.02.09 - Scott Walker

Happy Birthday, Scott Walker!

On 11.02.10, I believe Scott will be celebrating more than another birthday.

One year from today, Wisconsinites will elect a new governor. Hopefully, our long statewide nightmare will be over.

Here is Scott Walker's column marking one year until the election:

"With Big Challenges Come Big Opportunities"

By Scott Walker

It is one year until the election.

As much as I enjoy talking with the people of Wisconsin on the campaign trail, I wish the election was today because the challenges we face are so great, and time is critical when it comes to fixing them.

We all want Wisconsin to be a great place to live, work, buy a home, raise a family, and ultimately retire in. We want people to call Wisconsin home for a lifetime. Instead, our great state is suffering through this economic downturn more than most states. Jobs are fleeing at an alarming rate, and we are at risk of losing our greatest resource – the people of Wisconsin themselves.

The Governor and the legislature raised taxes by over $3 billion this year alone, and even as their anti-business policies drive more and more jobs out of Wisconsin, they are promising even more tax increases and additional regulation before the legislature adjourns in May. State government has grown beyond the taxpayers’ ability to pay. And overzealous regulators who once played the role of facilitator, helping employers prepare and safely implement their business plans, are now standing in the way of their progress.

Wisconsinites want government to live within its means and to set spending priorities that reflect their priorities, rather than seek ever increasing amounts of taxpayer funds for programs that serve few if any.

The problems we are seeing across Wisconsin are similar to the challenges we faced in Milwaukee County eight years ago. In 2001 the County Board adopted a pension plan that irreparably damaged county finances, leaving taxpayers on the hook for millions of dollars. Taxpayers, including my wife Tonette and I, were outraged. It would have been easy to lose hope. Instead, Milwaukee County residents rallied together and expressed their disapproval by seeking to recall the County Executive and several members of the County Board. We worked together and took our government back.

Everyday since I was elected to serve as Milwaukee County executive, I have worked to fix the county’s fiscal problems. Since 2002, I have authored eight consecutive budgets with no tax levy increase from the previous year, reduced the county workforce by over 20%, and cut the debt by over 10%. And despite failing national and state economies, Milwaukee County recorded a slight budget surplus in 2008.

Our choices have not been limited to raising taxes or cutting services. Greater innovation has allowed us to maintain essential government services without sacrificing community assets that enhance our quality of life. Milwaukee County’s parks, airport and transit system continue to be nationally recognized for excellence.

I campaigned on a pledge to spend taxpayer money as if it was my own. I’ve kept that promise, and I’ll do it again and again if elected Governor.

I wish the election was today because I can’t wait to roll up my sleeves and get to work for the citizens of our great state. I look forward to spending the next 12 months listening to what Wisconsin citizens and employers have to say about putting government back on the side of the people and getting Wisconsin working again.

Scott Walker's campaign is about hope and change, the kind of hope and change that I can believe in.

His agenda is not about Republicans or Democrats. It's about getting Wisconsin back on track and hope for a better future for everyone in the state.