By Press Times Staff

NORTHEAST WISCONSIN – For the first time since 2007, the 89th Assembly District will have new representation, but first a Republican primary will be held Feb. 16.

Five Republican candidates are looking to replace John Nygren, who resigned to become the executive director for the Wisconsin Association of Health Plans, a state health care lobbying organization.

Because of his resignation, a special election was called.

The five Republican candidates are Mike Schneider, Mike Kunesh, Debbie Jacques, Elijah Behnke and David Kamps.
The winner will go on to face Democrat Karl Jaeger in April, who is unopposed in the primary.

Jaeger lost to Nygren in November, 22,823 votes to 10,374, or 68.8 percent to 31.2 percent.

The Press Times emailed each candidate the same questions and gave them 100 words to respond to each.

Kamps did not respond.

The 89th District stretches from Marinette to parts of Howard and Suamico.

Mike Schneider

Is your primary residence currently in the 89th Assembly District?

I’ve been a resident of the 89th Assembly District for over 16 years.

Our district has a rural charm that makes us so special by being close to nature while also being not too far from larger cities to have the modern conveniences that we’ve come to enjoy.

The 89th crosses over three counties, all of which have their own special attractions, access to recreation and home to some of the hardest working people in the state.

Mike Schneider

Why should people vote for you?

I think people should vote for me based on my experience working in local government; my conservative views on government, spending, and taxes; and someone that wants to work to address the issues that are facing us.

We need leaders in Madison to be advocates for the district and ensure their problems and concerns are brought before the right individuals/departments – and that’s what I’ve done and will continue to do.

I grew up in a rural town – and I believe I have an appreciation for the values and work ethic needed to do the job.

What should be done on the state level related to COVID-19?

It’s a downright shame that it’s only been recent that the state adopted some sort of COVID-19 plan; slimmed-down as it be.

I do applaud that both sides were able to work together, although some of the concessions do worry me; but I do agree with State Senate Majority Leader LeMahieu that is a start.

I also agree that schools need to be opened as our children are suffering both academically as well as socially; not to mention addressing the severe limitations on groups, such as churches and businesses.

What should the state do for school districts to avoid referendums, like the one facing Howard-Suamico, where voters will decide whether to exceed the state-imposed revenue limits related to compensating teachers and classroom sizes?

Seemingly every election there’s a new referendum regarding spending and revenue limits associated with our public education system.

Since I’ve been involved in education for the last 15 years, I can appreciate the difficult job they have.

That being said, the state should engage in more long-range planning to avoid these constant referendums, as well as address how to optimize school resources and classroom sizes.

With our governor coming from a public-school administrative background, it’s concerning that this hasn’t been done already.

As to compensation, I can see retaining top talent, but it’s not an across-the-board issue.

Do you support eliminating the time limits for bringing forward cases of child sexual assault? Why or why not?

Coming from a criminal justice background, this is a very personal issue for me.

I do support eliminating the time limits in forwarding cases of child sexual assault, because I’ve seen the victims firsthand, and I understand the pain that they have gone through.

Many don’t understand that it takes time, in many cases years, for victims to come to grips with what happened to them; or to get the strength to get the help they need, or even talk to someone about the assault; not eliminating time limits only helps the perpetrator of the assault – not the victim.

What should be done at the state level to deal with and prevent PFAS contamination?

As I become more and more familiar with PFAS contamination, I’m reminded of the PCBs that contaminated the Fox River from the paper industry and how long and expensive that was to clean up.

I believe the state and Department of Natural Resources, while involved, need to step up their involvement to address these issues before it becomes unmanageable.

With the prospects of increased contamination of wildlife, surface and groundwater contamination, it has the possibility of affecting more than just our district.

Water is the most precious resource we have; we need to have clean, uncontaminated water to live.

Mike Kunesh

Is your primary residence currently in the 89th Assembly District?

I own both a home and a small business in Marinette.

Mike Kunesh

Why should people vote for you?

Born and raised in Marinette, I know what is important to families in Northeastern Wisconsin.

My extensive history of community and board involvement, combined with my background as a small business owner, puts me in a unique position to represent the values, and be the voice of the 89th Assembly District at the State Capitol.

What should be done on the state level related to COVID-19?

The focus of any COVID legislation should be on safely reopening the economy, getting students back into school and protecting Wisconsin families.

The state should make it a priority to give local leaders the resources necessary to meet the needs of our unique communities.

What should the state do for school districts to avoid referendums, like the one facing Howard-Suamico, where voters will decide whether to exceed the state-imposed revenue limits related to compensating teachers and classroom sizes?

The school districts and communities know best what is needed for their combined success in educating our students.

The referendum system provides a check and balance, and facilitates thought and discussion for the necessities of a school district and community.

Do you support eliminating the time limits for bringing forward cases of child sexual assault? Why or why not?

Sex crimes, particularly against minors, are among the most heinous in our society and should be treated accordingly.

There should be no statute of limitations for offenders of such crimes.

What should be done at the state level to deal with and prevent PFAS contamination?

I am committed to protecting all families in Northeastern Wisconsin, as well as our natural resources.

I will work to continue to address and remediate PFAS contamination in area land and water, study the impact of PFAS in affected communities, set limits on PFAS levels, and hold those accountable for negligence which resulted in contamination and harm.

Debbie Jacques

Is your primary residence currently in the 89th Assembly District?

Currently my primary residence is in Green Bay where I need to be close to my business, but I plan to move to the 89th no matter the results of the election.

As a native of Escanaba, and a frequent hunter in Oconto, I’m constantly in the 89th for both work and recreation.

I’m excited to officially call the district home soon.

Debbie Jacques

Why should people vote for you?

I’m the only candidate willing to call out the radical left and weak Republican leadership – two threats to our freedoms here in Wisconsin.

I pledge to be a fighter for the 89th, whether that’s ensuring election integrity, working to overturn unjust and tyrannical mandates from Gov. Evers, or passionately preserving our personal freedoms.

I want businesses and schools fully open, and both industry and mom-and-pop shops alike to flourish.

From Marinette to Suamico, the district has amazing people, resources and businesses.

I will ensure their success through proactive and bold representation in Madison.

What should be done on the state level related to COVID-19?

No doubt, the virus is real and has impacted many lives.

My heart goes out to those suffering loss from COVID.

But the government cannot unjustly mandate masks, or shut down businesses.

It’s past time to handle COVID with commonsense, compassion and personal responsibility.

We can both take care of the vulnerable, and get back to normal for the millions of Americans who need relief from depression, economic devastation and addiction.

We must accept that life has risks, and it’s up to the people to weigh those risks according to their own needs – not government.

What should the state do for school districts to avoid referendums, like the one facing Howard-Suamico, where voters will decide whether to exceed the state-imposed revenue limits related to compensating teachers and classroom sizes?

I don’t think the state should be involved in local school district decisions.

If a local area wants a referendum to address teacher compensation or classroom size, I support the local residents’ ability to consider the referendum, and vote as they see fit.

The state should be aware of local issues and provide resources as needed, but must respect local communities input on what impacts them.

Do you support eliminating the time limits for bringing forward cases of child sexual assault? Why or why not?

Yes.

Our children are our greatest treasure, and those that harm them should be punished to the fullest extent of the law.

Time limitations shouldn’t prevent us from being able to save more potential victims, and provide much needed legal and emotional closure to those suffering.

What should be done at the state level to deal with and prevent PFAS contamination?

Everyone deserves clean water.

As someone who has spent years fishing at marinas in the 89th, I’m concerned about healthy natural resources.

I’ve spoken to folks in Peshtigo about this, and their answers can be summed up by noting while everyone wants clean water and businesses and city entities have a responsibility to provide this, we can’t prohibit businesses from operating and providing a much needed tax base to the area.

All stakeholders must work together to continue to mitigate and prevent PFAS contamination, and local areas impacted must have control over decisions made that affect them.

Elijah Behnke

Is your primary residence currently in the 89th Assembly District?

Yes, I currently live in the Oconto area.

I live south of Oconto in the Township of Pensaukee.

I was born and raised in the district, growing up on my family farm and now raising my family in the district.

Here in God’s country we need a representative that lives here all of the time, not just when it is politically convenient.

I’ve created jobs here in the district, I’ve worked in ministry here in the district.

Elijah Behnke

Why should people vote for you?

I’m a small business owner who understands burdensome regulations hurt business.

I’m pro-God, pro-life, pro-family and pro-gun.

I’m going to defend our natural resources, lakes, streams, etc.

I’m an outsider, I never aspired to be a politician, as I’ve no interest in being one.

I’m going to be a true citizen representative.

I’m campaigning to be an advocate for our district.

I’m fighting for your family, your neighbors, etc.

I’ll be honest and I’ll always be responsive to you.

I’ll respond to you timely and will be proactive in solving the issues most pressing to you and the community.

What should be done on the state level related to COVID-19?

At the state level, we need to make sure the vaccine is getting out and getting out efficiently.

We need to fix our broken unemployment system to make sure those out of work are getting benefits timely.

Bottom line, we need to cut a lot of red tape at the state level.

I also believe we can fight this virus without hurting and crippling our small business community.

Nobody knows how to keep their employees and customers safe like business owners, so I will let the decisions up to them in terms of COVID policies, not the government bureaucrats.

What should the state do for school districts to avoid referendums, like the one facing Howard-Suamico, where voters will decide whether to exceed the state-imposed revenue limits related to compensating teachers and classroom sizes?

We need to advocate for local control.

We need to work with local school leaders and local elected officials and give them some flexibility in how they fund their schools and other community programs.

We need to look at various funding sources and make sure that taxpayer dollars are spent efficiently.

We also need to look at how much overhead and administration costs affect our school budgets.

We need to cut waste and make sure our funds are going to protect our students and teachers.

Do you support eliminating the time limits for bringing forward cases of child sexual assault? Why or why not?

As a community, we need to rally behind the victims of sexual assault.

We need to believe victims.

I would advocate working with our local law enforcement and area mental health providers to determine what is an appropriate timeline/time limit for reporting.

If elected, I will work on policies that put strict penalties on sexual abusers and human traffickers.

What should be done at the state level to deal with and prevent PFAS contamination?

We need to work with our local governments on coming up with solutions.

We need to make sure that polluters are held accountable, but we also need to make sure that any regulations regarding pollution are targeted and are actually fixing problems, not causing over burdensome regulation on farmers and other businesses.

Bottom line, though, I will do what I can to make sure our local natural resources are protected while advocating for common-sense policies.