Two gubernatorial candidates tout job creation in Appleton visits (Appleton Post-Crescent)

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By Ben Jones

Job creation was top of the agenda for two gubernatorial candidates who appeared Tuesday in Appleton.

Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker, a Republican, appeared at The Post-Crescent for a Newsmakers video interview, archived at postcrescent.com/livestream, and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, a Democrat, appeared at Eagle Supply and Plastics, a family-owned manufacturing business.

Walker led off his interview talking about job creation. He said the key is "getting government out of the way."

He said his philosophy represents a "core difference" that separates him from Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle, who is not running for re-election, and Barrett.

"People create jobs, not the government," Walker said. "That may seem like a simple statement, but I think there are too many people here in Wisconsin, and particularly in Washington, who think government creates jobs. Government doesn't create jobs. It either creates an environment that's better or worse, positive or negative.

"I got into this race because I think this current governor has put us in a more negative way when it comes to creating jobs in this state, and I want to be in place to help turn that around."

Barrett talked about his job creation plan with employees of Eagle Supply.

Phil Walzak, a spokesman for Barrett, said everyone knows jobs are created in the private sector.

"That's a no-brainer, that's not news, that's not breaking new ground," Walzak said. "The question is, do you have a partner in the governor's office who is helping pave the way and is working hand in hand with businesses to create an even stronger economy? Tom believes that can happen. He believes it because he has done it."

Barrett's plan includes tax cuts tied to job creation and a venture capital fund to help entrepreneurs.

"It's 67 pages that includes, dozens and dozens of proposals about moving the economy forward, creating jobs in all sectors," Walzak said.

http://www.postcrescent.com/article/20100615/APC0101/100615120/Two-guber...