Walker brown bags at ABC (Beloit Daily News)

Send to friend

By John Ranallo

Scott Walker knows that the residents of Rock County are concerned about the future job market.

Walker, a Republican candidate for Wisconsin governor, has set a goal of creating 250,000 jobs by the end of his first term if he is elected. He will compete with former First District congressman and Republican gubernatorial candidate Mark Neumann and take on Democratic candidate Tom Barrett. Barrett also has said he will be placing emphasis on job creation. The election will take place in November.

Walker, who grew up in Delavan, came to Beloit Tuesday to visit the ABC Supply Company and answer questions from workers and people from the community. He also took time to outline his vision for the future as he has been traveling around the state campaigning and holding brown bag lunch seminars to get in touch with workers and community members. Walker said it is important to connect with all people not just presidents of businesses.

Walker said he is most qualified to serve as the next governor and he can help move Wisconsin in the right direction. Walker was elected to Milwaukee County's Executive office in 2002 and served nearly nine years in the Wisconsin State Legislature. He said he wants to see Wisconsin succeed.

"I believe in this state," Walker said. "I am running for governor because I love this state."

Walker helped outline his plans to workers with the help of lunch bags and posters that were on display at ABC Supply's lunchroom which overlooks the Rock River.

Walker said government should not spend more money than it has. He also said smaller government is better government and people create jobs not the government.

If elected he plans to cut taxes on employers and individuals. He hopes to put more money back in the hands of businesses making it possible for them to hire more people. Walker said even at a discounted tax rate, more people paying taxes will increase revenue for government.

When asked about the possibility of building a casino in Beloit, Walker said he would not rule out any option that helped create more jobs, but he would like to work with local officials and the Bureau of Indian Affairs as well as the state before making any official decision.

"We would be willing to look at it," Walker said.

Walker fielded questions about education funding, unfunded liability as well as alternative energy from those who sat in the lunch room.

Steve Scaccia took the opportunity to ask how Walker is more qualified than Neumann.

"There is no other candidate for governor, Republican or Democrat, who faced eight years ago more similar circumstances to what this next governor will face in terms of corruption, in terms of the budget being out of control, in terms of tax increases in place," Walker said. "We did what we had to do to cut our debt, reduce the size of government work force, improve our bond rating, and do it without proposing tax increases and still have a surplus."

Scaccia said he was satisfied with Walker's answer and has seen him speak before. Scaccia feels Walker has what it takes to help move the state forward.

"I think he is a great candidate," Scaccia said.

http://www.beloitdailynews.com/articles/2010/06/02/news/local_news/news2...