02/16/2010
Categories: News, Tom Barrett | Tags:
If you're like me, you're tired of the same old partisan fights where politicians put personal gain and ideology ahead of solving problems.
In these tough economic times, it's clear that people expect their elected officials to offer honest plans and straight talk.
They want real and specific solutions to the problems that face us, not gimmicks or meaningless bumper sticker slogans.
They want authentic leaders who won't talk down to them or put politics-as-usual ahead of moving Wisconsin forward.
In short, the people of Wisconsin deserve an adult in the governor's office who is on their side and focused only on getting things done. This is exactly the kind of leadership I'll provide as your governor.
I'm running to create jobs, fight for Wisconsin's middle class and working families who are struggling the most in these tough times, and to expand opportunity and prosperity for everyone in our state.
For the past six years as Mayor of Milwaukee, I've focused on creating good jobs and attracting new businesses to our region. And I'm proud to say that I believe my efforts have made a real difference. Our work to transform the Menomonee Industrial Valley from a decaying, forgotten wasteland into a thriving commercial center that supports dozens of businesses and nearly 3,000 jobs has earned national recognition.
The regional economic development initiative we created to attract high-quality businesses and jobs to Wisconsin has retained and brought more than 2,000 jobs to Wisconsin in the past 7 months alone with companies like Republic Airways, Ingeteam, Talgo and C+D Technologies.
As your governor I will build on these successes and implement a comprehensive plan to create Wisconsin jobs. My vision focuses on sparking job creation today, as well as implementing long-term economic growth strategies to build Wisconsin's economy of tomorrow. It invests in Wisconsin's strengths – like manufacturing and agriculture – while supporting emerging industries that can provide jobs in the future – like biotech and high-tech. And the plan builds on Wisconsin's assets – tremendous natural resources, outstanding institutions of higher learning, and an excellent workforce with a legendary work ethic.
The national recession has been tough, but I know we will overcome these challenging times because of the resilience and determination of the people of Wisconsin. This spirit, toughness and optimism deserve a full partner in the governor's office who understands your concerns, listens to your voice, and has a clear plan to get Wisconsin working.
I have done just that. From introducing responsible and balanced budgets, to reducing crime, to fighting for school reform, to investing in jobs, I've tackled the issues just as families across Wisconsin tackle challenges every single day.
This campaign is about you, so I encourage you to explore our site and learn more about our campaign, the issues, and how together we can get Wisconsin working. We will also need your help, and I hope you will consider making a donation or signing up to volunteer.
Thank you for your support and I look forward to staying in touch with you throughout our campaign.
Posted by April Fugiasco at 07:44PM on June 09 2010:
Mr. Barrett, I give you so much courage to literally stand up for what you believe in and to help save a life! Any politician who has the guts to risk their life as you did last year gets my vote! I also feel that you will do whatever it takes to make this state of Wisconsin great again! Good Luck!
Posted by Tom Weflen at 07:57PM on June 01 2010:
Dear Tom,
All I can say is, I'll support you in any way possible. Sir, you will need allot of it. Scott Walker MUST BE DEFEATED! I have been on layoff for far to long. If I can do anything, including sending you cash, if that's what it takes. I will be there for you. If I can man the phones, or stand on the street and try to bring this message out to the people who have to wake up. Scott Walker could care less about me. I think you know that.
I'm looking forward to your reply.
Tom Weflen
Posted by Ruth at 04:33PM on May 04 2010:
Having just moved to Southeast Wisconsin, let me say that aside from all the fee, taxes and the upcoming fee for non-insured motorists, I adore this state.
I just purchased Wisconsin plates and almost fainted when the clerk presented me with a fee of $149.50! And come Nov. 2010, I will renew again! I am a senior (and you know the rest of the story) with that fee and all the co-pays for medical services that I now have to pay, as opposed to the "other" state's, I sure hope I can afford to live here. There are so many good blogs here with which I concur, so no more need to be said.
I've followed Tom Barrett this past 1/2 year and unless my gut intict is misdirecting me, I will vote for him for Governor.
Good Luck, Mr. Barrett!
Posted by Kyle Herminath at 04:24AM on April 26 2010:
Technology is one such area where America can really develop and create jobs. What is our state currently doing to attract companies or assist start up companies?
I am a video game developer and I am in love this state, but in WI I have very few companies that I could work at. Without some assistance WI will never be able to catch up to states like CA, WA or just about any other state for that matter.
To show you what I am talking about please go to: http://www.gamedevmap.com/ and enter Wisconsin into the search, and then search another state.
I want WI to be known for its technology based communities and game development companies are apart of that community. Cities such as Green Bay, Milwaukee and Madision should be well known for its talented tech community just as much as large cities in WA, TX and CA are.
If Mr. Barret is going to fight for such a future then he certainly has my vote.
Posted by Carolann at 11:44PM on April 25 2010:
I have supported you since you initial talk of becoming involved in the Governor's race. You mustn't allow the 'Doyle' stink attach itself to you and you MUST stand up for those of us who can't take another dollar of tax money out of our pockets! Those idiots in our Congress who just continue spending every dime we earn has become our personal rallying cry to move out of this God-awful state of tax and spend. If one of you, just one of you, would look at what you have done to the middle class in Wisconsin, it would make you cry! We're in our sixties, no children, or grandchildren in school. Our roads are filled with potholes. Our cities just spend more and more every year. Our assessments continue to rise and our tax bills with them. We pay over $3,000 per year and we can't figure ONE SINGLE THING we get back for it...and the old canards don't work anymore, because you've built the businesses in this state on our backs. Mr. Barrett...if you address just one of these issues, we will support you with our donations, our votes, and our volunteer work, but you had better make your promises written in stone...because we'll be back in four years and you'll know we've been here. And that's not a threat...it's a promise, Sir!
Carol A. Kopp
Posted by Reinhold Beuer-Tajovsky at 09:17PM on April 25 2010:
It's very encouraging to see the President getting involved and campaigning for you. That tells a lot of GOOD things about you.
A concerted effort on the part of all the dems & indepedents (even republicans fed up with all the 'nay' saying) will bring you success.
The word is :YES WE/YOU C A N !!!!!!!
Posted by Thomas Bolden at 08:50PM on April 20 2010:
Please Please Please come speak in the Hillsboro area!
There are people over here that have no clue who you are.
Also, you should get some tv adds going PRONTO!
Thanks for running,
Thomas Bolden
Posted by Shane at 06:46PM on April 20 2010:
Dear Tom Barrett,
Is there a reason that each individual issue you are running a compaign on is not addressed on the campaign website? How is a young, recent college graduate, who is not politically savvy (that would be me) suppose to make an informed decision in an election when I don't even know what the candidates are running on? If you want me to buy a bumper sticker and advertise you to my peers then I would expect you would want to tell me why I should support you. While I have generally considered myself a "liberal" due to some certain fundamental beliefs that I will never share with conservatives, I have to say, this is disappointing. If I were to vote based on a politicians stance on issues important to Wisconsin residents (funny thought, huh?), such as: taxes; education; jobs; healthcare; enegery...honestly, you're out.
Having said that, there is plenty of time to fix this before the election. I am genuinely interested in hearing where you stand on issues that concern your constituents, and, no, I don't believe I should have to visit another website or consult the media to hear these beliefs. Your campaign website seems to be the most fitting place to learn.
Sincerely,
Shane
Posted by mitch cohen at 04:47PM on March 03 2010:
How is Tom going to fill the budget hole? Is he going to start requiring Wisconsin corporations to pay a fair corporate income tax?
Posted by Asher Heimermann at 04:32PM on February 18 2010:
The new website looks really nice and professional. I like how it's user friendly. I look forward to supporting Tom and volunteering for the campaign.
Asher Heimermann
Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Posted by Ryan Alexander at 03:16PM on February 18 2010:
Scott-
Thanks for the feedback. As the campaign moves forward we will definitely be adding more content. I will have our development team look into the navigation issue.
Thanks for the comment and for supporting Tom!
Ryan Alexander
New Media Director
Barrett for Wisconsin
Posted by Scott Colson at 12:01PM on February 18 2010:
Its a good start.
A few things, at smaller window sizes, the body breaks with the navigation in design.
A much more important issue is the lack of issue content. The jobs focus is great (I take it thats the central message for the campaign). But, more is needed.
You have to beat Scott Walker to the "reformer" title. He's gone to try to claim. Tie reform (campaign finance reform, budget process reform) to special interest spending. Its an easy narrative to construct.
Third, capitalize on Senate/Assembly Democratic successes, without reference to Doyle. Voters don't like 'inheritance', especially in this anti-incumbent environment. Beat Walker to the punch: paint him as an elitist, fighting for elitist concerns.
Posted by Sandra Spencer at 06:47AM on June 10 2010:
Ever since you have become Mayor of Milwaukee, I have noticed that you are a concerned citizen that gets things done for the betterment of the population. You
have gone forward where others have failed, pick up the ball so to speak where
others just kick it around the court not having a clue as to how to make a score.
I believe in you and your ability to once again put our fine state back on the map
and back in the condition that it should be.
I have had your signed photo on my wall for over a year and each time I look at
it, I truly believe that you should be the "only" choice for Governor. You are
the only one qualified. The others have no clue as to what priorities should be
whereas you know exactly what should be done and where. Your priorities are
right on and your ducks are all in a row.
You have my vote. Good luck and God bless.
Sandra Spencer 10 June 2010