On November 3, Robin Vos will defend his seat against Joel Jacobsen of Racine. We asked the same questions of both candidates. We reached out to Jacobsen several times, but did not receive a response.
Here are Vos’s answers:
Where do you live
Burlington, WI
How long have you lived in the community?
I’m a lifelong Racine County resident
What is your educational background?
Graduate Burlington High School, 1986; University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, 1991
What civic organizations do you belong to?
Rotary Club (past president); Racine/Kenosha Farm Bureau; Knights of Columbus; Racine County Republican Party; Racine Area Manufacturers and Commerce; Union Grove Chamber of Commerce; Burlington Chamber of Commerce. President of the National Conference of State Legislatures and Vice Chair of the State Legislative Leaders Foundation.
What position are you running for?
State Representative for the 63rd Assembly District
Have you ever held elected office before?
Yes.
If so, what positions were you elected to?
Elected to Wisconsin State Assembly since 2004; Racine County Board, 1994–2004 (former chair of Finance and Personnel committees); University of Wisconsin Board of Regents, 1989–91(Appointed by Governor Tommy Thompson).
In thinking about your election bid, what top three issues need to be addressed?
The top issues that need to be addressed are COVID-19, health care, and the economy.
How would you plan to address those issues?
The most important job that the legislature does is to write a balanced budget, which helps pay for medical assistance, schools, and local governments. We must make sure our state and the health care industry continue to have enough resources to battle the coronavirus. I would like to see continued investments in health care and that we ensure individuals with pre-existing conditions always have access to insurance. Challenges may still lie ahead for our economy. I will continue to fight for the unemployed to get their benefits in a timely fashion and fight against tax increases that our families and businesses simply can’t afford.
In reference to those issues you have identified, what would success look like to you?
Success is putting together a bipartisan budget that the governor signs into law similar to what happened this past legislative session. Our current budget increased money for health care, nursing homes, and education while cutting taxes on the middle class. Our rainy day fund continues to grow to another historic level. Because of our fiscal discipline, our state is in better shape to face an expected economic downturn.
Why are those issues important to you?
Those issues are important to me because the people who I represent in Racine County tell me they are the top issues for them.
At the end of your term, what would you like to have accomplished?
I would like to accomplish another balanced budget, a bipartisan session (this past session more than 90% of the bills that became laws had bipartisan votes), and several speaker’s task forces that bring people together on important issues facing the state. The latest one is now forming to find solutions on issues surrounding public safety, educational opportunities, racial disparities, and police policies and standards.
Why should people vote for you?
I never stop trying to do my best in representing the citizens of Racine County. Since I was first elected, I try to call every person from the district back to hear where they stand on the issues, explain my position, and help them with their state issues. The past few months have been extremely difficult for people who have lost their jobs during the pandemic. My office and I have spent countless hours trying to help them get their unemployment benefits. I take pride in the fact that a large number of the cases that we worked on have been resolved. I hope that my constituents know that I will continue to fight for them by working for better health care, excellent schools, and a strong economy so that every family can make their dreams come true.
Is there anything else you would like voters to know?
Like many of you, it’s been a challenging election cycle due to the increased incivility. I’ve heard stories of my supporters getting yelled at because they have Republican yard signs on the front lawn. It’s always been a priority of mine to listen to others, especially those who may have a different opinion. I always welcome an opportunity to have a civil dialogue. I’ve heard from constituents who may not agree with me that they appreciate that I hear them out. I promise to continue to keep my door open to listen and learn from you regardless of whether we agree or not.
READ MORE: Election Guide 2020, 2020 Partisan Primary Election Voting Guide
