Attended the Valley Builders Candidate Meet and Greet in Appleton and was reminded that “Green” can be achieved in lots of different ways. Most people think first of the production of energy but often much more is gained by just not wasting energy and resources. I asked Leslie Kiesow of Bellwether Interior Design how she approached ‘green’ and she talked about showing a client the value of re-upholstering a sofa versus buying a new one. Not only did that re-use resources it was less expensive for the client and resulted in a better end product.

I then talked with Craig Fink who manages the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Appleton. They re-use materials, appliances, etc from building being demolished. Not only saving energy from new and unnecessary production but also keeps usable materials out of our landfills.

Bottom Line: I passionately believe that “Green” should be the driving force for Wisconsin’s economic future and a Barrett/Schneider ticket will help make that a reality. “Green” can be so much more than we think and many times it’s just about asking the right questions.

To build a better Wisconsin future we need to have successful job growth efforts in every part of Wisconsin and not limit our focus to one or two areas. That’s the message that “60 Counties in 60 Days” will deliver throughout our great State.

With nomination papers filed and my name officially on the ballot we now begin the final push to the primary on September 14th. Over the next two months I am making a personal commitment to take my campaign to Main Streets in a minimum of 60 counties across Wisconsin. My 20 plus years as a professional in the economic development field has taught me that there is no single solution to job creation and that Wisconsin’s efforts have to be flexible to take advantage of different opportunities in the various communities, counties and regions of our state.

I want to share my  vision for future job growth while learning more about the specific needs of your area.

My thanks to everyone who circulated nomination papers on my behalf and to all of those who graciously signed to give their consent to my being on the ballot. I filed over 2000 signatures yesterday and have another 400+ ready to deliver before this evening’s deadline. We’re on the ballot because of your hard work. Now, 63 days to win the primary.

I consider this a great privilege and honor. Thank you.

What is your experience in business and job development? My one sentence answer:

I have over 20 years experience on community, county and statewide levels as a professional in the field of economic development.

(See the biography page on my website for more details.)

This is usually a two-parter. “Can the Governor actually do that and will he?” Here’s my two part answer:

This is not a new idea as Governor Tony Earl appointed his Lieutenant Governor (Jim Flynn) as head of the Wisconsin Department of Development. While Tom Barrett is certainly under no obligation to honor my request, I believe that he would seriously consider it given my qualifications and experience in the field of economic development.

My answer to “Why are you running” is immediately followed by, “How will you do that?” Here’s my response:

Upon our election I will ask the Governor to appoint me to head the Wisconsin Department of Commerce, the lead agency responsible for implementing our business and job development efforts.

While I travel around the state campaigning the #1 question I hear is, “Why are you running for this office?” It’s an obvious and fair question. Here’s my one sentence answer:

I’m running for Lieutenant Governor because I believe I can use that position to help the State of Wisconsin be more effective in our efforts to keep, create and attract jobs.

Looking forward to meeting with as many of you as possible over the next two days.

I’m ready to answer your specific questions about my plan for how I can use my 20+ years of experience in economic development to best serve Wisconsin as your next Lieutenant Governor.

I invite all delegates to listen carefully to each of the candidates. This is a great opportunity to do a side-by-side comparison to help you put together a winning team for Wisconsin.

The current schedule has me addressing the delegates late Saturday morning. See you at the Marriott in Middleton.

I regularly post to Facebook to keep everyone updated on the campaign but not all of you have (or want) Facebook accounts.

Well here’s the good news. You don’t need one! Simply use Google or any other search engine and type in ‘Schneider for lt gov  Facebook‘ (without quotes) and I’m at the top of the list. Just click to go to the page. My info is public so there’s no signing up or signing in. Clicking the Facebook icon in the right-hand column of this website does the same thing. No signing in…just instant access to info.

And if you are a Facebook member, just click on ‘like’ and our campaign updates will show up on your homepage. Share this info with your friends and help get our message out. Thanks.

Patrick Marley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinal just did an article that highlights the unusually large number of candidates that are currently running for Lieutenant Governor and questions why anyone would want the job.

I know what my answer is. I believe that as your next Lieutenant Governor I can best help Tom Barrett make a difference for the people of Wisconsin.

Tom knows that the number one priority for government is getting Wisconsin back to work and I know that with my 20+ years of experience as a professional in the field of economic development I can be a great partner and effective leader in that effort.

This is more than simply winning an election. This is about having a vision for Wisconsin’s future and the skills and experience necessary to get the job done. I have both and that’s why I’m running for this position.