Four candidates will be vying for the Republican nomination of the 51st Assembly District on Tuesday, Aug. 12: Dodgeville mayor Todd Novak, American Legion Department of Wisconsin commander Ken Rynes, Town of Spring Green chairman Dennis Polivka and Tyler Schultz of Monroe. The winner will go up against Democrat Richard Cates of Spring Green on Nov. 4.
The Republican Journal contacted each candidate with a questionnaire so candidates would have the opportunity to showcase their stance and opinions to the voters. Their answers are as follows:
Todd Novak
Please provide a brief background outlining what qualifies you to represent the 51st District. Why are you the best candidate for the position?
Currently I serve as the Mayor of Dodgeville having been elected in 2012. I am the Government/Associate Editor of The Dodgeville Chronicle, a position I have held for the last 24 years, until taking leave in February to run for assembly. I grew up on the family farm near Cobb and my family has been farming in the Iowa County area since the 1860’s. I graduated from Iowa-Grant High School and studied finance at Southwest Tech Vocational School. I’m the proud parent of two teenage sons, 13 and 16 and also a licensed foster parent.
Dodgeville doesn’t have a city manager or administrator and as Mayor I am hands-on and oversee a $7 million budget and 130 full and part-time employees. I believe it’s important to be financially prudent with the public tax dollars, but still deliver the services our citizens expect. As a newspaper editor, I have covered over 600 school, city and county board meetings over the last 24 years. I feel I’m the best candidate because I understand the issues and challenges that local governments are facing. Everyone running for this seat has great attributes to bring to the table, but I am the only candidate from either party that has the depth, knowledge and experience to have a full grasp of the issues.
What are your thoughts and proposals on solving the school funding dilemma?
One of the biggest issues I hear across this district as I campaign are concerns about property taxes. Property tax increases have an adverse effect on people who are on a fixed income or just getting by. One of the biggest drivers of property taxes is school systems. The 51st Assembly District has some of the best schools in the state and our children are our future. Property tax levy limits have worked, but over time state aid has decreased to schools. I believe the state aid formula for schools needs to be revised and become more equitable, and transportation aid for rural schools should be increased. Now that the state has cleaned up the horrible fiscal mess it was in and has gone from billion-dollar deficits and is back in the black, this is the perfect time to revisit school funding.
What will you do to ensure that the voices and concerns of southwest Wisconsin will be heard at the state level?
I learned a long time ago that listening to your constituents, regardless of whether they voted for you or share the same political beliefs, should be first and foremost for any elected official. It’s always important to put people before politics. I’ve always been an advocate for local businesses, farmers and the taxpayers. They are the backbone of our communities. I’ve spent years holding local government accountable to the people and if elected I will hold state government accountable. It’s a philosophy I will take to Madison. I am not doing this because I need a job or a career change. I’m running because I truly care about people and want to serve them.
What is the top concern of those in the 51st Assembly District, and how can you, as one representative, address those concerns?
One of the top concerns is people expect fiscal responsibility from their elected officials. People are concerned about their property taxes, their schools and jobs. As mayor I always look for common sense solutions. Families in southwest Wisconsin need an independently minded representative who will continue to look for bipartisan solutions that improve our economy and help our schools thrive. As a representative in the assembly, I will follow that philosophy. I will advocate for lower property taxes, more aid for our schools and support for businesses so they can expand, grow and hire.
What are your plans to try to improve the economic climate in the district?
This district is very economically diverse. It’s made up of many small businesses, manufacturing and of course agriculture. Slightly over 50% of this district is considered rural and farming is a huge driver of our local economy. Wisconsin’s agriculture industry generates about $60 billion in economic activity annually. More than 10% of the workforce in Wisconsin rely directly on agriculture for their jobs. I’m proud to have grown up on the family farm and much of our land has been in the family from 100 to 150 years. My roots run deep in the farming community so I’m very sensitive to agriculture. I want to focus on repealing onerous regulations so the economy can grow. Over-regulation affects small businesses, farmers and taxpayers. It has a direct impact on the economy and job growth. Less taxes, less regulation and empowering people and businesses is the way to improve the economic climate.
Please provide your final thoughts and address any other issues you believe are important in this election:
One issue that I feel is very important is continuing the fight against a growing heroin epidemic that has gripped our area. The state legislature did a good job in the last session in addressing the issue, but I think we need to build on that. Heroin is a horribly addictive drug that has caused a spike in the crime rate. There have been many horrific crimes that have occurred in our district that are directly related to drugs and mental illness. We need to give our law enforcement and courts all the tools they need to fight these problems and help the people who need it. As Mayor, I authorized an additional position in the police department to deal specifically with fighting drugs. I’m a leader on this issue in Southwest Wisconsin and it is one of the reasons I have garnered the endorsement of Lafayette County Sheriff Scott Pedley and Iowa County Sheriff Steve Michek.
Ken Rynes
Please provide a brief background outlining what qualifies you to represent the 51st District. Why are you the best candidate for the position?
My qualifications would be small business owner for over 20 years. I and my wife Ann have a 175-acre beef farm that we operate. I have served my country in the United States Marine Corps 1983-1987 and the Army reserve 2007-2010. I was mobilized 2008-2009 training troops deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan. I recently ended a 1 year tenure as state commander of the American Legion overseeing a 2.5 million dollar budget and 60,000 legionnaires. I spent 5 years as a high school softball coach until forced to resign due to getting orders to active duty in the Army. Ann and I have been active in our church and spend much of our free time riding our Harley raising money for scholarships for children who have had a parent killed in the war on terrorism. We have 4 adult children and 2 grandchildren who need a great state to grow up in.
I am the most qualified to represent the 51st because of the diversity of my background as it represents the heart of what goes on in this area.
What are your thoughts and proposals on solving the school funding dilemma?
The school funding issue should first be addressed by a complete overhaul of the funding formula. I believe, since I have lived it, that the best most efficient schools have a community that is intricately involved with all aspects of the school. This is why I believe in referendums as they make the community discuss the issues at hand and become involved. It is not the school district’s responsibility to raise the children, it is to educate them. The parents and community must raise the children. We need to transition away from sitting back and waiting for the check to come from the government. Instead, take matters into hand at the local level. If you want a great school you can, but it takes involvement, not excessive money.
What will you do to ensure that the voices and concerns of southwest Wisconsin will be heard at the state level?
As a representative of the people, I will stay in contact with them through actively participating in events at the local level. I will stay in contact with teachers, school administrators, law enforcement, employers, employees, town boards, county boards and all others that deserve a representative voice in Madison.
What is the top concern of those in the 51st Assembly District, and how can you, as one representative, address those concerns?
Top concerns of mine are property tax reform and quality education throughout the district. This can be achieved by listening to the people for ideas and taking them to Madison with the proper research to state a case for the change.
What are your plans to try to improve the economic climate in the district?
As a small business owner, I am aware that the economic climate is much better than 2009 as there are jobs available in all the papers. This is not to say we have totally recovered from the recession. My economic philosophy is simple. Every time one person gets a job it supports seven others through purchasing power which in turn creates more jobs.
Please provide your final thoughts and address any other issues you believe are important in this election:
I am running for Assembly because I believe in this state and country. I believe local government, local school boards and the community should have the major say in what transpires in their area. I believe that the cost of your vote came at a very high price and I wish more people would become involved in their government. That is why I am offering to serve the people for a third time in my life.
Dennis Polivka
Please provide a brief background outlining what qualifies you to represent the 51st District. Why are you the best candidate for the position?
I’ve been involved with agriculture most of my life, having managed hog farms for 30 years and my wife and I having a farrow to feeder operation. I served on the Wisconsin Pork Producer Association Board of Directors and was also president of the Sauk County Pork Producers. During this same time, I also served as treasurer and then president of the River Valley School Board. All of these positions included being active legislatively at both the state and federal levels.
Currently, I am Town Chairman for the town of Spring Green (since 2009) and am a supervisor on the Sauk County Board (since 2012). In the capacity of supervisor, I serve on the Executive & Legislative, Conservation, Planning and Zoning, and Economic Development Committees. I am also a County Ambassador with the Wisconsin Counties Association.
As Town Chairman, I’ve worked with fellow board members, town residents, engineers and legislators at the county, state and federal levels to get funding and permits for our Big Hollow Drainage System. This was needed to allow water to drain from the river valley so we wouldn’t have a repeat of the 2008 “300 Year” flooding that happened throughout the town. This project gave me a broad array of experience – working with legislators and regulation agencies to try to keep common sense in the processes and new regulations, as well as working with and representing my constituents.
When I moved back to Wisconsin over 30 years ago, I volunteered as an EMT and fireman for the Lone Rock Fire Department. This gave me exposure to the social needs in the area and also gave me a great appreciation for the dedication and commitment of those who volunteer their time to those in need.
Out of all the candidates, I bring the broadest range of experience and have an established record of working to get things accomplished, which includes reaching across the aisle. My constituents are more important to me than making political statements.
What are your thoughts and proposals on solving the school funding dilemma?
When the school funding formula was changed in the 2009 Biennium, it gave a considerable advantage to the major city schools and pulled money from the more rural districts. The formula needs to be changed to more evenly fund school districts. It will require legislators and school administrators/boards collaborating and working to find a solution. One thought is to base funding on per capita income averages for districts rather than property value. Whatever solution is decided upon will need to be analyzed closely so that we know without a doubt that the children’s education will not be harmed.
What will you do to ensure that the voices and concerns of southwest Wisconsin will be heard at the state level?
The voice of SW Wisconsin will become my voice. I know that sounds cliché and is said by many politicians, but I am not running for State Assembly for the fame and fortune. I am running because there needs to be more voices of reason and common sense in Madison, and I embody that in all that I do or say. I have never been bashful about speaking up for the people I represent, even if it goes against the majority. I will continue this when taking the SW Wisconsin message to Madison.
In the past few months I have spent much of my time getting to know the people of SW Wisconsin by attending local events, knocking on doors, attending local meetings, etc. I plan on continuing this so that I continue to know what is happening in each town, village and city and can take their needs/demands back to Madison. I plan on spending much more time with YOU than I do in Madison!
What is the top concern of those in the 51st Assembly District, and how can you, as one representative, address those concerns?
One of the top concerns is having an abundance of good paying jobs in SW Wisconsin. We need this to provide the opportunities for individuals to provide adequately for themselves and their families. We also need this job pool to keep the best and brightest of our young people in Wisconsin. The more people we have employed and paying taxes, the lower the tax burden is for individuals and families. This concern can be addressed by working with other legislators to find common ground to improve the business climate in Wisconsin.
What are your plans to try to improve the economic climate in the district?
We have to come to the realization that Wisconsin is in competition with other states for businesses, jobs, and people. We need to get our tax rates in line with those states that are drawing all three in abundance. In addition, we need to put common sense back into our regulations.
Broadband expansion to our rural communities is a priority. This needs to happen to better serve existing businesses, attract new businesses, and expand educational opportunities for our children. Most new businesses are small and, in order to compete and survive, require reliable broadband.
We also need to invest more in technical education and start guiding and encouraging our youth to follow their interests and talents early in their education. This will arm them with advanced training and skills as they enter the workforce.
Please provide your final thoughts and address any other issues you believe are important in this election:
Right now, more young people are leaving the state than are staying or coming to Wisconsin. This has to be reversed to keep Wisconsin viable. Otherwise, those that stay in Wisconsin will have less service and a higher tax burden. Without people working and paying for services through taxes, it will be harder for communities to provide these services.
Parents and teachers are justified in their concerns with Common Core. To sum it up, it is a one size fits all education with a curriculum that is geared to teaching students WHAT to think instead of HOW to think. Creativity in learning or teaching is removed to the classroom, as teachers are given exactly what they will teach and what tests will be given under this curriculum. Local influence from parents or teachers is not a part of the Common Core structure.
While there should be standards for math, English and science, parents, teachers, administrators and school boards should have control on how that knowledge is taught. They know best the needs and demands of the students they are teaching/raising. Parents should not have to appeal to a state or federal bureaucracy in order to voice their concerns and get changes made in their child’s education.
Tyler Schultz
Please provide a brief background outlining what qualifies you to represent the 51st District. Why are you the best candidate for the position?
I’m 30 years old and reside in the city of Monroe. I am a 2002 graduate of Monroe High School. I am employed by Reliable Property Services as the assistant superintendent at Edelweiss Chalet Country Club in New Glarus. I served on the Monroe City Council for three years (2011-2013) with one serving as Council President (2012). I believe my experience as a public servant proves that I am the most qualified candidate running for the 51st district. While serving on council my commitment to teamwork quickly became apparent to my constituents. Not only did I work with my fellow elected officials, I also worked with our department heads and economic development partners.
What are your thoughts and proposals on solving the school funding dilemma?
Education will always be a key issue for our great state. I believe we can make our schools more competitive academically through school vouchers. This is why I support the school voucher plan with limits until we can determine the results. I also believe that with the cooperation with the State of Wisconsin, local school boards and parents we can work together to ensure a quality education for all our students.
What will you do to ensure that the voices and concerns of southwest Wisconsin will be heard at the state level?
It should be our common belief that all representation should be fairly presented on all government levels. I intend to represent, to the best of my ability, every citizen and community to provide a clear path to opportunity and prosperity. While we may not always agree on every issue, we will always agree on moving Wisconsin forward.
What is the top concern of those in the 51st Assembly District, and how can you, as one representative, address those concerns?
The top issue facing our district is the same issue facing Wisconsin as well as our country. That would obviously be the economy. We must put our political differences aside and act responsibly to afford our citizens a brighter future. By working with the Monroe Chamber of Commerce, I understand what it takes for a better business environment. Not only is job creation important so is job retention. One of my proudest moments on city council was retaining the high paying jobs at Quest Industrial. With the help of the mayor, city attorney, city administrator, the chamber director and myself along with the patience of Quest, we were able to accommodate their expansion. With a strong and robust economy all other issues are less challenging. With more Wisconsinites back to work, we will see an increase in revenue to overcome many of our funding issues.
What are your plans to try to improve the economic climate in the district?
As the next Representative to the State Assembly, I intend to work directly with area chambers and businesses to create a better avenue for job seekers. With streamlining this process it should make it easier for people to find work. Other areas to help improve the economic climate would be assessing red tape. We must keep the necessary regulations that protect our fellow citizens while cutting regulations that hinder growth.
Please provide your final thoughts and address any other issues you believe are important in this election:
Some other important issues facing our state would be mining, infrastructure and new generation farming assistance to name a few. Mining is a cornerstone in our state’s heritage. We need not let it stay in the history books. It should be important to our state’s economy as it has been in the past. This is why I support responsible mining in our state’s future. We must, for the sake of continued prosperity, continue improving our state’s infrastructure. This will be essential to provide a sustainable economy. With more revenue as previously stated this issue should also be addressed by prioritizing our projects. We must always ensure our taxpayers that their money is not wasted on unnecessary projects. Lastly, I believe we need to address new generation farming assistance. While being involved in the Monroe FFA during my four years in high school, I noticed that not all farmers come from a farming family. With expensive prices for land rent or purchase as well as commodities, it’s difficult for a new generation farmer to get started. While agriculture remains an irreplaceable asset to our state’s growing economy, I would support stronger legislation to ensure undeniable opportunity for our young future farmers.
