I must admit, though, that the highlight of the evening for me was the introduction I received from State Democratic Party Chair Mike Tate. He fired up the room when he told them that I’m running a strong campaign and that I’m the person who can beat Jim Sensenbrenner. That generated a long and loud round of applause from the crowd! I hadn’t expected such an enthusiastic reception, and it was very exciting to feel the energy in the room.

I only had one minute  to speak, which I was reminded of with a sign that said, “One more minute” on one side and “Stop now” on the other. I joked that it wouldn’t be a problem, since I see that sign all the time at home. And it actually was very easy to make the case for my candidacy in one minute because the distinction between myself and the incumbent could not be more clear. I want to bring tax dollars and development back into the district, something Jim Sensenbrenner has no intention of doing.

At the end of the evening I was approached by a gentleman whose staunch Republican parents live in the 5th Congressional District but who aren’t very happy with Sensenbrenner, something I hear a lot about Republicans in the district. He wanted to know the best way to convince his parents to vote for me. I told them it was simple—I want to bring our fair share of tax dollars back into the district and Sensenbrenner doesn’t. He was soon joined by a small group of people who also have Republican friends and relatives in the district. I feel confident that the conversation motivated them to spread our common-sense message to everyone they know who lives in the 5th Congressional District.

It was a pleasure to see so many new faces and to have the opportunity to share my vision for the District’s future. The conversations were lively and intelligent and reflected concerns about affordable health care and public education. But the big topic on everyone’s mind was jobs, and it’s not hard to imagine why.

Just take a stroll down Oakland Avenue and view all of the recently vacated retail and business spaces. What has become of those small business owners? Their families and employees?

Our current representative in Congress, Jim Sensenbrenner, has refused to accept federal relief for struggling businesses in Shorewood and the rest of the 5^th District. He believes it’s fiscally irresponsible for the federal government to play a role in economic recovery.

But isn’t that exactly the kind of support we should expect back from the government in return for our tax-dollars—an investment in small businesses and the people whose future depends on them?

Every day I’m reminded of the cascade effect that can happen when a business owned by one of my tenants begins to falter. It’s not just the tenant and their employees who are affected, but all businesses in the building, which thrive best in a climate of stability.

My policy of working pro-actively with tenants to help shepherd their businesses through tough economic times is firmly rooted in my belief that short-term investments to support small businesses result in long-term dividends that benefit the entire community.

I’m often asked what makes me think I can beat a candidate who has been in office as long as Congressman Sensenbrenner and who, according to the pundits, is unbeatable. The answer is easy. It’s because I’ve had first-hand experience with the challenges facing businesses, families and every day people in the District, challenges that Congressman Sensenbrenner has never had to worry about himself. I trust in the voters to see the difference.

Congressman Sensenbrenner takes aim at the “problem” of the federal stimulus package.  He flat out refuses to support any federal stimulus money to the State of Wisconsin, Congressional District 5, and most importantly the largest urban area – Milwaukee. 

He says the stimulus has not worked because it has not led to new jobs, and further believes that federal buttressing of our economy is fiscally irresponsible.  As a taxpaying Wisconsinite, I respectfully disagree.  According to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act tally, over $110 million has been spent in our district, a full 69% of which has gone directly to our school districts.  This means the stimulus has had a direct positive effect on our children’s education and the infrastructure of our schools.  This also means we as taxpayers do not have to shoulder the burden of $76.5 million in additional property taxes or state income taxes in these difficult economic times.

I understand that Congressman Sensenbrenner does not believe in increasing the federal deficit, but if there is some temporary funding that could alleviate and protect current jobs or industries that might fail because of tough economic times, then as a representative he should do what is best not only for the region but the State of Wisconsin.

I know firsthand the trials and struggles of being in the private sector market. 

I am a small business owner trying to obtain credit, maintain benefits for my employees and deal in good faith with struggling tenants.  In the past year, I have offered rent abatement to many of my commercial tenants.  Small business owners are struggling to keep doors open.  I am one of them. 

Truth be told, I doubt that this comes as much of surprise to many of the citizens of the 5^th Congressional district either.  Our working families across the district personally understand what it is to worry about losing jobs or benefits.

Without immediate action by the federal government when economic problems were most acute, our problems would be far worse. 

I do not support long term federal entitlement and believe it will be imperative to create a reasonable budget when financial conditions improve.  However, “deficit spending” is a current reality for many Wisconsin families and it is not unreasonable to spend what is needed now and to recover later.  That is federal assistance that we deserve, and we should not treat it as if we don’t need it.

Job creation is a result of an improving economy, not the sole way out of a recession.  We should focus our efforts on reducing the expenses of our businesses, first allowing them to maintain the jobs they have.  Serious healthcare reform is necessary to help ease the burden on business.  Tax cuts need to go to the middle-class Americans who need them most, and need them now.  

Only someone who has not worked in the district for long time or is truly not familiar with the everyday financial problems we have to face would believe doing nothing is a proper and noble course.

Results require actually doing something, not just proposing self-serving half-measures.  Congressman Sensenbrenner says he hopes he can get started.  Why is he just starting now?

Click HERE to read Sensenbrenner’s Response to SOTU Address

Where: The Mill Building, N88 W16447 Main Street, Suite 100, Menomonee Falls

Contact: Leah (262) 255-2750/leah@kolossoforcongress.com

Light refreshments will be provided.