Gubernatorial candidates Tom Tiffany and David Crowley will face off in a debate this evening at 7pm ahead of the November 3rd general election.
Ahead of the much anticipated debate in this high stakes contest, The Heartland Post is offering 10 questions that Crowley should have to answer on his record, his promises, and what a Crowley governorship would look like.
1. Green energy policies have forced the buildout of more transmission lines which ultimately drives up costs for consumers. In Milwaukee County, efforts to move to carbon free are estimated to cost taxpayers $441 million over 25 years. County Executive Crowley, how would your policies as Governor differ and keep utility costs down for Wisconsin residents and businesses?
2. You’ve repeatedly promised to repeal Act 10 if you are elected Governor. While estimates vary, this will cost local and state taxpayers more. What is your specific plan to pay for this promise?
3. In all but one year as County Executive, you’ve raised property taxes on Milwaukee County residents. How will you differ as Governor? What specific policies will you enact to lower instead of raise property taxes?
4. Name one issue you disagree with your own party on.
5. Voters are fed up with their government and losing trust in the institutions because they see fraud and abuse. Even the appearance of potential fraud like stories related to contracts you signed that were awarded to your wife’s employer, erode trust amongst voters. What do you think needs to be done to restore trust with voters?
6. Your overall plan includes expanded BadgerCare, universal pre-K, increased funding for schools and more. Beyond just the headlines of “taxing the rich”, how will you pay for this massive expansion of government, specifically which taxes will you need to raise and by how much?
7. Education outcomes in Wisconsin have fallen. A majority of fourth graders in this state cannot read at grade level. Meanwhile, students in school choice programs are outperforming their peers. You’ve consistently said you do not support expanding school choice in Wisconsin. Is that still true, and if yes, what policies would you support to improve education outcomes such as reading proficiency in Wisconsin?
8. When inflation was at a 40-year high, you lobbied as County Executive to nearly double the local sales tax in Milwaukee County. Then and now, cost of living continues to be a top concern for voters. Why should voters believe that you will help lower costs when your record is one of pushing for and celebrating regressive tax hikes?
9. In the campaign for Governor, you dropped out of the race before getting back in. How can you reassure Wisconsinites that you won’t quit on them if you are elected Governor?
10. Is there any spending in the current state budget that you would support eliminating to help lower costs for Wisconsin taxpayers, be specific.
The debate, moderated by Matt Smith and Gerron Jordan, can be watched on ABC affiliates across the state or streamed live on the WISN website.
