LETTER: The truth behind Walker ads

To the Editor:

As the recall ads come out fast and furiously, I feel committed to correct the misconceptions being broadcast by Gov. Walker’s multi-million dollar campaign.

First: He claims that the opposition, not he, has received millions of dollars of out-of-state money and that the recall movement is being run by out-of-state interests. Why do you suppose he has spent the majority of his time as governor in Florida, Colorado, Illinois, etc. at non-stop fundraising events to fight his recall? Yes, 75 percent of his contributors (by number) gave $50 or less, but 75 percent (by $$ amount) of his money is from out-of-state millionaires.

Two: He claims he has lowered taxes. Well, maybe – but does saving a few dollars on your property tax make it worth devastating our public schools, once thought to be some of the best in the nation? Do you want your children and grandchildren to receive less than an adequate education for years to come? Class sizes are larger as teachers leave the profession and aren’t replaced. The pay of those who are left will be reduced by up to a one-third with no acknowledgement of continuing education credits even though they have invested their own money and time with the promise of advancement. These cuts will keep the schools going for one more year, but where will the money to keep taxes down come from after that? The state is continuing to decrease money for schools each year. It isn’t a long-term fix and will create a teacher shortage because it is no longer an appealing occupation.

Three: Walker brags about creating more affordable health care. Due to his policies, $500 million has been taken away from medical assistance. In addition, $284 million has been cut from programs for the elderly and disabled. His administration has done nothing to improve health care for anyone.

Four: Walker claims that he is creating jobs and Wisconsin is moving forward. Far from the 250,000 jobs he promised, he has actually lost jobs the most recent year from March to March, causing Wisconsin to rank 50th in the country for job creation. The only reason why the unemployment number is lower is because people have given up attempting to get jobs.

Five: Many people are unaware of the John Doe investigation regarding Walker’s time as Milwaukee County administrator. Several members of his inner circle of advisors have been indicted (some convicted) for serious crimes and it is just a matter of time before he receives his own indictment. For a man who is as much of a micro-manager as he seems to be, (one who doesn’t believe in government control – unless it’s his), he claims he knew nothing. Stay tuned.

From the beginning of his term, Walker and his administration have been deceptive, dishonest and secretive. He has made his own rules and have thrown out improvements in our state that have taken years to acquire. He is gutting our schools and health care system and has created policies that are disrespectful of our environment. He has pitted the people of our state against each other.

You will not see non-stop ads on TV or multiple yard signs. The recall movement does not have the big bucks that Walker has begged and borrowed from all over the country. The recall movement is dependent on regular people who care about Wisconsin’s future.

Gov. Walker bought his election and now is trying to keep his office with big money and blatant lies.

Kay Brooks

New Richmond

Tags: letters to the editor, opinion