Rep. Janet Bewley Announces WI Senate Bid

Superior, WI (PRESS RELEASE) - State Representative Janet Bewley (D-Ashland) announced her intention to run for the Wisconsin State Senate in 2014 to represent the people of the 25th Senate District.

Bewley expressed her belief that she can be trusted to continue the strong tradition of having a progressive voice for the people of the north in Madison.

“All the experiences I have had as the 74th Assembly Representative - the many people I have met, the complicated issues I had to learn and understand, the thousands of miles of roads I have travelled only solidify my desire to serve the people of the north,” said Bewley. “I’ve been there, done that, and I want to do it again.”

Speaking at the Douglas County Courthouse before making similar stops in Baron and Ashland Counties, Bewley noted how the North is marked by stark contrasts.

She spoke of how the area contains some of the most beautiful landscapes, cleanest waters and abundant wildlife in the entire state, yet also has some of the poorest residents, oldest housing, and deteriorating infrastructure.

She praised the residents’ strong work ethic and their willingness to help neighbors, but lamented that they have to struggle to fund their volunteer firefighters, first responders and EMTs.

“We are fiercely independent and committed to preserving our rights and protecting our well-being – but the powers and control of our local units of government – towns, villages, cities and counties – is being eroded,” Bewley said. “All we want is for common sense to prevail, local citizens to be treated as fairly as corporations, and for our environment to be protected. We need leaders who share our strong sense of community and willingness to help our neighbors, our commitment to education and our recognition of the value of diversity even when we disagree.”

In her remarks, Bewley spoke about her hopes to continue being a voice of reason, the type of elected official who can help the legislature focus on shared values.

Bewley said that serving in the Assembly made her realize how much she values government, in the fundamental, fourth grade civics class sense of the word - and how much she cherishes democracy.

In order for democracy to succeed we must rededicate ourselves to making it work each and every day, over and over again. In the months ahead, I will spend a great deal of time listening to and learning from the people of the 25th Senate District. I look forward to talking with them about the things that they hope we can accomplish by working together.”