March 10, 2010

Brown opposes Kerkman in 66th Assembly District

The west end of Racine County will have an Assembly election duel. Steve Brown, 62, of Salem, a Democrat, today announced that he is running for the seat now held by Samantha Kerkman, R-66th District. The district covers covers Burlington, most of Kenosha County west of Interstate 94 and Somers. Here are excerpts from his campaign release:
"Jobs are the No. 1 priority in this election," Brown said. "That means we have to keep the jobs we already have, bring new jobs into the area and improve training for these 21st Century jobs."

These three important components are part of the C.O.R.E. JOBS ACT that already has passed the Wisconsin Senate. AB-641 now is awaiting Assembly action."

"The Assembly needs to act quickly to pass this JOBS ACT which will help to get and keep jobs here in Wisconsin," says Brown. "This isn't a Republican or a Democratic issue, this is a people's issue. It's unfortunate that my opponent doesn't seem to feel the urgency to do something real about the job crisis here in southeastern Wisconsin."

Brown notes that Kerkman is not among the long list of co-sponsors of this legislation. "She has not spoken out, forcefully and publicly, in favor of AB-641. In eight years, she has failed to take real steps to help real people with real job concerns. My No. 1 priority will be to work, quickly and enthusiastically, for serious legislation like this that will tackle the state's most serious problem, jobs.

"It also means I pledge not to vote for legislation which would send jobs overseas," Brown says. "Mrs. Kerkman even went against 17 other conservative members of her own party who supported the important and truly bi-partisan American Jobs Act (AB-2). She voted “no” to a measure to keep Wisconsin jobs from being exported to foreign countries. She voted “no,” and that is just wrong."

Brown is professor of educational leadership and school law at Northeastern Illinois University since 1989. He also is executive program producer for WGTD Public Radio.

Before joining the faculty of Northeastern Illinois, Brown was a television and radio journalist, a high school teacher and principal, and a district level educational administrator. He also owned a computer hardware and software consulting business. He served six years in military intelligence in the U.S. Army Reserves.

For seven years, Brown served on the Governing Board of the University Center of Lake County, IL. He has been a member of the Salem School Board.

"I look forward to a discussion of the real issues in this race. I welcome a serious face-to-face, give-and-take debate with Mrs. Kerkman that will show voters where we each stand.

3 comments:

  1. Samantha Kerkman has done a great job for her district. I would be willing to bet that Brown has voted to increase property taxes time and time again.

    This election won't even be close. Kerkman wins in a landslide

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  2. An interesting comment. Especially when Dr. Brown has never raised taxes before. I have read his "bio" and see that he has quite a background. I think he will give Rep. Kerkman a real run for her money. Watch this campaign. It could be a real bell-weather one!

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  3. "Brown is professor of educational leadership and school law at Northeastern Illinois University since 1989. He also is executive program producer for WGTD Public Radio.

    Before joining the faculty of Northeastern Illinois, Brown was a television and radio journalist, a high school teacher and principal, and a district level educational administrator. He also owned a computer hardware and software consulting business. He served six years in military intelligence in the U.S. Army Reserves."

    What are Kerkman's credentials again? Here, let me refresh your memories;

    B.A. UW-Whitewater 1996. Full-time legislator. Former legislative aide. Member: Burlington Area Chamber of Commerce; Kenosha Area Business Alliance; Twin Lakes Chamber and Area Business Assn.; Twin Lakes American Legion Auxiliary Post 544; VFW Auxiliary, Bloomfield Center Post 5830; Powers Lake Sportsmen Club; St. Alphonsus Catholic Church

    Hmm, seems she's a bit light on anything other than getting a paycheck derived from tax dollars. Interesting, isn't it?
    She was a legislative aid and then a legislature. And, she joined lots of clubs........

    I want a debate between these two!

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