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Nick Milroy's Answers to Progressive Action's Screening Questions
Progressive Action has endorsed Nick Milroy in his candidacy for Wisconsin’s 73rd Assembly District. Here are his full responses to the screening questions:
- Progressive Action’s Mission and Principles are spelled out on our website (www.Prog-Action.org). Do you agree with those why or why not?
I agree with these principles. The foundation of my political belief system relies on fairness and justice for all while empowering those who do not always have a voice in the political process. These are beliefs that were passed to me from my parents. I hope to do the same for my children.
- Tell us a brief history of yourself.
I was born and raised in Superior. After high school I joined the Navy where I served in the Persian Gulf earning the Southwest Asia Service Medal and a Letter of Commendation. Returning home, I received my bachelor degree from UW-Superior in aquatic biology in less than four years of study while working at the University and continuing my service in the Naval Reserve. I have worked extensively on political campaigns and for progressive causes all of my adult life. Over the last eight years I have worked with American Indian communities as a fishery biologist ensuring that treaty rights are upheld. I am an active community volunteer and served for many years on the St. Louis River TMDL Partnership (mercury reduction) Board of Directors and currently serve as a public representative to the Lake Superior Binational Forum. As an elected official I’m currently serving in my 2nd term as a City Councilor in Superior. On the council, I have fought for working people, social justice programs, affordable housing, historic preservation, and environmental stewardship. I am proud to have been instrumental in the protection of Clough Island and my work to ensure that the Great Lakes Water Compact passed the Wisconsin State Legislature. Personally, I am married to my high school sweetheart, whom works as a public school teacher, and we are raising our son of 4 months.
- Why are you running for the 73rd Assembly District?
I want to continue the progressive agenda set forth by my predecessor Rep. Frank Boyle. No one can fill Frank’s shoes entirely, but I want to continue to give a voice in Madison to the hard working citizens of Northern Wisconsin.
- What do you think are the three most critical issues facing the 73rd Assembly District today?
The three most critical issues facing the 73rd Assembly District today include the lack of livable wage jobs, a broken health care system, and the regressive shift of state revenue collection onto homeowners.
- Why do you want the endorsement of Progressive Action?
It will build the credibility of my campaign. Progressive Action is an organization that I personally respect and would like to work with if I am fortunate enough to be elected to the WI State Assembly. I would be honored to have them endorse me.
- What does being progressive mean to you?
Progressive means that you will advocate for the advancement of workers rights and social justice. Progressives believe that government has a direct role in the protection of the environment, providing access to public lands, standing up for working people, fighting for the less advantaged and minority constituencies, and making government more democratic. I believe strongly in these principles. We are in the middle of a new civil rights movement for the equality of the GLBT community in our society and I stand firmly with them in the movement.
- Do you support or oppose a smoke free ordinance and are you planning to actively campaign for it and why?
I support smoke free work places and will actively campaign on it. Statewide polls have shown an overwhelming response for a smoke free WI. Regardless of polls, it’s the right thing to do. We need elected officials that have the courage to stand up to the special interests, particularly big tobacco. We can no longer afford to continue to jeopardize the wellness of our children and the health of working people. If the rest of the assembly and senate do not have the courage to stand up for working people, I would like to see the bill put on a statewide ballot. I support clean air for all workplaces.
- Do you support or oppose the Murphy Oil Expansion and why?
I absolutely support it. Murphy Oil is the economic backbone of Douglas County. I believe that we can create good paying jobs while protecting our environment. My experience working side by side with industry and environmental interests will be invaluable to getting the job done right. I will do all I can to ensure that any expansion is successful in Superior.
- What is the first thing that you want to accomplish if elected?
I would like to make certain the Leah’s Law passes in the next session of the legislature. This law will create a violent offender registry that will give citizens a tool to protect themselves and their families from repeat violent offenders.
- What is your position on whether the government (either state or federal) should provide universal, single payer health care to all citizens?
The federal government should set up a universal single payer health care system. We are already paying for it! This system would be the most important economic development initiative since the GI Bill. We can create entire new sectors in our economy by allowing innovative and creative individuals in our society the ability to break free from the insurance policies provided through jobs that may not allow them to be fully productive members of society. Most importantly, I believe that it is shameful that we live in one of the richest societies in the world, yet we allow people to die simply because they can not afford adequate health care. Basic health care is a fundamental human right.
- What specific steps do you think the state of Wisconsin should take to help alleviate global climate change?
We need to rethink the economic model that has fueled this country since the advent of the industrial revolution. It is no longer practical to exploit resources at the fastest rate possible to maximize profits. The state of Wisconsin should invest in alternative energy technologies and education in order to be at the forefront of a new economic model. The alternative energy sector is going to be the important economic driver of the 21st century. Part of the solution is also to educate, market, and regulate sustainable consumption of our resources. Manufactured goods should be part of a closed loop circuit where the manufacturer is responsible for the end products and waste.
- Expenditures for the Iraq war have affected progressive programs at the local, state, and federal levels, many of those programs focused on helping those who have few resources. What is your position on the Iraq war and its effects on local programs? Do you support continued involvement in the Iraq war? Why or why not?
The continued occupation of Iraq has had devastating consequences to the people of Iraq, countless families in the United States, and our military personnel. This war has made our county less safe. Our economy is bankrupt due to the unfortunate policy of the continued occupation. All levels of government and nonprofit organizations have seen drastic cuts in funding due to the financial burden of this occupation. This in turn will most likely lead to increased crime and incarceration rates, the further erosion of our infrastructure, which ultimately will impact our security and economic well being. It’s time to end the occupation and focus on providing the services and infrastructure that will protect our country and further a fair and just society.
- What support do you think state government should provide to returning Iraqi vets and their families?
The federal government has let our veterans and their families down. Because of this, it is important that states provide the necessary tools to allow our veterans and their families the opportunities to be successful in their readjustment to civilian life. I am proud that the State of Wisconsin provides 100% tuition reimbursement for veterans and I will fight for legislation, similar to Minnesota’s, that provides low income veterans tax breaks to keep more of their income in their pockets. As a veteran, I am committed to working with and for veterans on legislation that honors the sacrifices that all veterans have given to our country.
- Due to large media consolidation many communities are losing locally owned media, which can create negative effects. One example is in Minot, North Dakota where local citizens were left without a way to warn the community on local radio stations when there was a huge chemical spill in their town. One person died and hundreds received treatment at hospitals. What is your position on the trend toward media consolidation, and what, if any, action would you support to address it?
We have essentially lost the free press that has since day one been a cornerstone of our democracy. Our freedoms are in peril due to the fact that the mass media has shifted to conglomerate ownership by corporations. The goals of these conglomerates are to boost the bottom line rather than function as an important component of our democracy. We need independent large scale media that is willing to speak truth to power rather than focus on cerebral consumption of news and material through marketing and advertising. President Reagan’s veto of the Fairness Doctrine and Sen. Norm Coleman’s efforts to further weaken fairness rules in media have contributed to the downfall of our free press. One of the most appalling events in my life occurred when Norm Coleman and Dick Cheney where campaigning in Hermantown, MN. I was part of a group that was forced by the secret service to stand in a so-called “free speech zone” behind police tape down a hill back in the woods. This is an experience that has motivated me to seek elected office and work to change the corrupt media system of disinformation and censorship. I am a strong supporter of public radio and broadcasting, free speech, and a free press.
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