Back in 2015, Chris Larson ran for Milwaukee County Executive, and now, in 2020, he is campaigning again for that job. Back in 2015, Chris spent some time with me, jogging 3 miles and talking about what he could bring to the office of the Executive. He did not win that election, but he’s hardly been sitting on his hands since then. He’s been raising a family, working as a state legislator, and using what influence he has to advance many causes!
As a photographer who works with many non-profits, it’s always interesting to take note of what politicians I see at the events I photograph. This past year, I saw Chris at two events I was photographing: the Zeidler Group Legacy Breakfast and the WI Conservation Voters Green Tie Gala, two events that demonstrate where his values are at.
The Zeidler Group’s mission is “…to foster civil dialogue and invite trust in the midst of differences.” and this speaks to Chris’ desire to address and work on Milwaukee’s serious racial disparities. The WI Conservation Voters “advocate for sound environmental laws and policies, holds elected officials accountable for their votes and actions, and elects pro-conservation candidates who will champion our priority issues.” and that mission lines up nicely with Chris’ passionate support for Milwaukee County Park System.
I got to ask Chris some questions, via email, about his current campaign (the primary is FEB 18 – get Milwaukee info HERE), and here’s what he had to say on a variety of topics…
Re: Chris’ background in politics… “In 2008, I successfully ran for Milwaukee County Supervisor on a platform of adequately investing in our shared parks and transit system. On November 2, 2010, I again pushed against the establishment and was elected to the Wisconsin State Senate after defeating a 14-year incumbent, partially because he didn’t support a Wisconsin version of the Green New Deal.
I’ve been motivated to get into politics because I’ve seen others who aren’t serving the best interests of the people…A portrait of Fighting Bob LaFollette proudly hangs in my Senate office. His goal of breaking the “combined power of the private monopoly system over the political and economic life of the American people” is a fight that we continue today, especially when it comes to public spaces and the consolidation of power that has occurred in the Milwaukee County Executive’s office.”
Re: County Parks and being an Executive “for the people”… “One of the very first pledges I made in announcing my candidacy for Milwaukee County Executive was to promise to never sell any of our parks, personally check in on all our parks once a year while County Executive, and never put meters on our lakefront. Everyone deserves access to a quality public space.
I’ve promised to hold a coffee clutch in each of the 19 municipalities each year I am County Executive. Like many fathers, I’ve often said that everything I do, I do for our family – but I don’t just mean my wife Jess and my son Atticus and daughter Stella. Family isn’t just the four of us – it’s every neighbor in our community.”
Re: Milwaukee’s unfortunate title of “most segregated city in the country”… “Racism is a public health crisis. From high eviction rates (which is one of the reasons why I have an affordable housing investment plan and pledged to end family homelessness in my first term) to predatory lending processes, we must center a discussion of race in the foreground of every decision made in Milwaukee County. Racism impacts everything in our county: from health equity to the elimination of certain bus routes that further segregation, it’s up to us to be leaders in healing the problems arising from decades of division.”
Re: climate change and the need to move towards a “Green economy”… “In the words of my favorite Presidential candidate (I’ve proudly endorsed Elizabeth Warren), I’ve got a plan for that:https://voteforlarson.org/climate-change/. From retrofits to renewable energy, Milwaukee County is home to many high-skilled, outstanding construction trades professionals that are vital to solving the climate challenge. I’m committed to working with these leaders, especially union, minority-owned and women-owned contractors in the county.”
Re: “if there was one county problem you could fix with a snap of your fingers”… “Shared revenue. Milwaukee drives Wisconsin’s economy – as the state’s “Economic Engine,” Milwaukee has the state’s largest employers, most employees, and most visitors and events. All of our economic activity produces the largest share of revenue for the state. But the state-imposed limits on local revenues force property tax hikes. And to the detriment of our property owners, local governments have no other option but to rely heavily on raising property taxes in order to maintain critical services. With revenue flexibility, Milwaukee could have a sustainable budget.
I believe Milwaukeeans should be allowed to decide what’s best for Milwaukee.
In my first year as a County Supervisor, I led the coalition “Quality of Life Alliance” which successfully helped pass a countywide advisory referendum to fund our parks, transit, and emergency medical services with a 1% sales tax while reducing property taxes.
Those kinds of creative solutions are exactly what I’ll implement as County Executive – in addition to pursuing state and federal grants and pursuing state and national businesses for funds.
I recently had a very positive conversation with Gov. Evers about how the messaging regarding revenue flexibility needs to be state-wide, not just focused on Milwaukee. We need to build a statewide coalition to do this. I’ve been fighting this fight for years, I won’t have to learn as I go. I’m the only candidate in this race who has supervisory experience, a finance degree, and the one with political relationships in Madison to ensure Milwaukee receives its fair share of revenue.”
Some great answers from Chris, and I’m real happy he took some time out of his busy schedule to answer them! Thank you for reading this, and I hope you’ll consider voting for Chris Larson on FEBRARY 18!