Appleton-area 57th Assembly candidates Andrew Fox, Lee Snodgrass list crime, inflation as top issues in Nov. 8 election
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APPLETON – Republican candidate Andrew Fox is looking to unseat state Rep. Lee Snodgrass, D-Appleton, in the Nov. 8 midterm election.
Snodgrass is seeking a second term in the district that includes Appleton and western Menasha.
The Post-Crescent asked each candidate to fill out a questionnaire before the election explaining why they are running and their positions on issues. Responses have been edited in some cases for grammar and to remove unsolicited criticisms of an opponent which did not directly address the question.
For information about registering to vote and polling locations, visit the MyVote Wisconsin website at myvote.wi.gov.
Lee Snodgrass
Age: 53
Occupation: State representative and Livestrong instructor at YMCA-Fox Cities
Highest level of education: Bachelor of arts, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Relevant experience: Thirty years as a communications professional in public, private and nonprofit businesses. Paper industry experience. Formerly communications director at Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes.
Campaign website and Facebook page: www.VoteSnodgrass.com, Facebook.com/SnodgrassforWI
Andrew Fox
Age: 40
Occupation: Warehouse forklift driver and gas station cashier
Highest level of education: Some college in police science from Fox Valley Technical College
Relevant experience: Private sector work and Wisconsin Army National Guard, with the 1/120th out of Stevens Point
Campaign website and Facebook page: www.FoxFor57th.com, Foxfor57th on Facebook
Why are you running for office?
Snodgrass: There is still much work to be done. While I’ve authored over 30 bills this session, a Republican majority meant that none of them received a public hearing or a vote. I hope to continue to work on solutions with bipartisan support to improve the lives of everyday Wisconsinites.
Fox: I’m tired of the same old political fighting, the extreme ends of the political spectrum have taken over and speaking the loudest. No one is willing to come to the center. That’s why I’m running.
What makes you the best candidate in this race?
Snodgrass: I’m fully engaged in this community so I understand the needs. I’ve proven myself as a hardworking, responsive representative with a strong grasp of the issues. I’ve worked hard to build relationships and make connections, which means our office can find the help people need when they need it.
Fox: Political outsider, centrist Republican policy ideas. Pro school choice, working to reduce taxes, fight fraud, waste and abuse in government, safe communities statewide, and advocate of the Second Amendment.
What is the most pressing issue facing Wisconsin, and how would you address it?
Snodgrass: Households are struggling to make ends meet. I’ll continue to work to make Wisconsin more affordable for all by offering solutions to reduce household expenses and increase everyone’s opportunities to succeed. Whether it’s making child care more affordable, raising the minimum wage, reducing health care costs or lowering taxes, Democrats have introduced solutions that put money back in people’s pockets only to be blocked by the Republican majority. The child care crisis and the affordable housing shortage should be priorities next session as both challenges stand in the way of people advancing forward in the lives they wish to pursue.
Fox: There are a number of serious issues facing Wisconsin. Crime is on the rise, inflation is at historic highs and parents are concerned about their children’s education.
What should Wisconsin do to protect the democratic process and ensure the integrity of its elections?
Snodgrass: I authored several bills which expand voter registration and voter education opportunities in Wisconsin. One bill required all state elected officials to be trained as and work as poll workers in an election where they do not appear on the ballot. There’s no better way to have confidence in the integrity of a process than to become part of it directly. Several independent audits of Wisconsin elections showed no evidence of fraud. Our clerks and election officials are professionals working hard to ensure free, fair and accurate elections. Respect them.
Fox: The importance of free and fair elections in Wisconsin is a top priority. Our election laws must be followed at all levels of government. If there are issues, then it is important to address them and ensure those things do not happen moving forward. I’m focused on the 2022 election and if elected will work to make sure election laws and all laws are followed.
Would you vote to repeal Wisconsin's ban on abortion, or to add exemptions to the law, such as for rape and incest victims?
Snodgrass: Democrats introduced a bill last session to fully repeal the 1849 law criminalizing abortion in Wisconsin and we’ll do so again. Abortion should be legal, safe and available to those who need it. Lawmakers have no business encroaching on the privacy of individuals as they make private reproductive decisions, including whether to carry a pregnancy to term. Abortion is part of comprehensive reproductive health care and is supported by the majority of Wisconsinites. The current law banning abortions was made before women had the right to vote. Until abortion rights are restored in Wisconsin, women are essentially second-class citizens.
Fox: As much as a hot topic this can be, I’m pro-life with the exception of rape, incest and life of the mother. I would try to have that added to the current 1849 law.
What should state government do about gun violence and crime in Wisconsin?
Snodgrass: The gun violence epidemic is a public health crisis. We can protect the Second Amendment and still pass legislation to significantly reduce the likelihood of gun violence. Required waiting periods, universal background checks on all gun sales and extreme risk protection orders are several ways to help ensure only responsible gun owners purchase and own guns. Often violent crime results from no societal safety net and ensuring that people have access to health care, including mental health support, as well as addiction and recovery support, is also a key component.
Fox: Wisconsin has experienced a dramatic rise in crime since 2019, and rates of violent crime, murder and aggravated assault are at their highest levels in 35 years. Wisconsin also has the fewest law enforcement officers on the streets in at least a decade. As your representative, I will work to keep violent offenders off our streets, hold repeat criminals accountable, and support our law enforcement. (Editor's note: The Wisconsin violent crime information in this response mirrors findings reported by the conservative website MacIver Institute. The Post-Crescent has not independently verified its accuracy.)
Would you support policy initiatives to address the impact of climate change in Wisconsin?
Snodgrass: Yes. This session I joined my Democratic colleagues in introducing the “Forward on Climate” package of 22 bills aimed at fighting climate change, creating jobs within the green energy sector and reducing environmental injustice. I also introduced a bill to remove the registration surcharge on hybrid and electric vehicles. I hope to continue to work on ways to make alternative energy accessible to all including community solar, electric vehicle charging infrastructure and holding polluters accountable. Wisconsin is loved for our natural spaces and ensuring we have clean air, land and water for future generations is a moral imperative.
Fox: I will support policies that take care of our environment while also keeping Wisconsin business-friendly, and will work to ensure we don’t put overly burdensome restrictions and taxes on Wisconsin families and businesses who are currently struggling to get by.
How should state government help Wisconsin residents combat the effects of inflation?
Snodgrass: We can work to reduce household expenses so that family budgets go further in difficult times. Wisconsin has an unprecedented budget surplus and I agree with the governor’s plan to direct the surplus toward a 10% tax cut for the middle class, expand eligibility for a veterans’ property tax credit, offer a caregiver tax credit with expanded child and dependent care credit, and lower the costs of gas and insulin. Additionally, Democrats have fought to raise the minimum wage, expand affordable health care for all and reduce student debt — all of which would put money in people’s pockets.
Fox: Wisconsinites are struggling right now under historic levels of inflation. Families are coping with soaring grocery bills and high gas prices, while our businesses struggle to find workers and make their bottom line. If elected, I will work to keep our taxes in check, cut bloated government bureaucracy and reckless spending and get people back into the workforce. As legislators, we need to focus on these issues as well as relief for small businesses and families.
Sophia Voight can be reached at svoight@postcrescent.com. Follow her on Twitter @sophia_voight.
This article originally appeared on Appleton Post-Crescent: 57th Assembly candidates Andrew Fox and Lee Snodgrass address issues
