BY WILLIAM LUND | PHOTO CREDITED TO TONY EVERS/FACEBOOK
“Vote the correct way.” That was the message from Tony Evers, a Democratic candidate for the 2018 Wisconsin gubernatorial election, who visited Edgewood College the night of Feb. 12 to talk about policy and meet with students.
Evers, who is currently the state superintendent of Public Instruction, talked with students about issues that ranged from concerns about the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to the ever-widening achievement gap that exists in Wisconsin.
He said education is his primary concern. “Education is my wheelhouse,” said Evers. He also addressed topics like a better health care system, infrastructure like roads, airport, and ports, and state-wide Internet access.
Evers said lobbying for the youth vote was important. “It’s critical for young people to vote,” he said. “(The number of) young people who vote is slim.”
He often attacked incumbent Republican governor Scott Walker but admitted that overall Wisconsin’s financial situation is good. But Walker has “destroyed the public school system,” Evers said.
Evers also said Wisconsin residents pay more for health insurance than they need to and Internet access should be increased for everyone especially in the rural communities.
Refinancing student debt is important to resolve,” he said. “Highly educated people drive our state.”
Tackling an achievement gap question, Evers said the achievement gap is race-based and he would spend time in local communities to heal racism.
“People of color need to be more interested in becoming a teacher,” he said, adding that teachers have to be culturally competent.
Protecting the state’s water rights is important, he said. “In our state, water is our oil,” he said. “It is our most important resource. Wetlands are important. One-third of wells in Kewaunee County are polluted.”
Evers said he plans to win the election. “I’ve won (other statewide elections) three times. I’ve run a classroom as a principal, (a) district administer, and now a state agency. Having that kind of experience is needed for running for governor.”
His final remarks were, “I’ll appoint people that know what the hell they are doing. I’m Tony Evers, and I’m sticking to it.”
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