Candidate Profile: Jim Ott For State Assembly District 23

Jim Ott, a Mequon resident is running for State Assembly District 23.

Age: 73
Party affiliation: Republican Party
Family:Married, 2 married sons, and one grandchild
Occupation:Former broadcast meteorologist, currently full time legislator
Previous elected experience:Currently serve as Representative to the 23rd Assembly District
Family members in government:I am the only one in my family in politics.
Campaign website: www.votejimott.com

The single most pressing issue facing our state is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.
If we are focusing on a single issue, probably restoring and maintaining a strong and robust economy is the most important, because so many other areas in our society are also affected. For example, lower unemployment and higher wages means more people can afford a home and enjoy more mobility. A stronger economy also means more revenue, so the state is in a better position to fund the many responsibilities of government such as schools and roads and funding for mental health initiatives.

As far as how to maintain a strong economy, probably keeping taxes low and eliminating unnecessary rules and regulations that make it more difficult for the economy to thrive.
We have been doing that for the last decade. The state has also enacted legislation that assists startup businesses, and this policy should continue.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
Experience, and a proven track record of working with members of both parties to get things done. I have lived in Wisconsin my entire life except for three years in the Army, including a tour in Vietnam. I am active in the community, including Rotary, the American Legion, the Chamber of Commerce and serve on the Advisory Council of Interfaith Caregivers of Ozaukee County. I am also a member of the State Bar of Wisconsin

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I have represented the 23rd Assembly District for 14 years. I have never missed a session day and have authored many pieces of legislation that have benefited the residents of my district and the state of Wisconsin. For the last ten years I have chaired the Assembly Judiciary Committee and serve as co-chair of the Law Revision Committee and have also served as co-chair of the Joint Committee for the Review of Administrative Rules. I have presided over many public hearings and executive sessions.

Addressing the needs of my constituents has always been a priority. Over the last several months I have helped many constituents receive their unemployment benefits while the

What steps should state government take to bolster economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic for local businesses?
We have already done this by passing the COVID-19 response bill (Wisconsin 2019 Act 185), which the Governor signed into law in April. Going forward, continuing to reopen our economy safely is of the utmost importance. We are doing this now and should cautiously continue on this track. I have also worked for several session for the repeal of the state’s outdated minimum markup law. This would be particularly important to lower the cost of prescription drugs. Another bill I recently authored would specifically remove the minimum markup on drugs used to treat COVID.

How will you address the calls for racial justice and police reform?
Economic equality is an important part of racial justice, because having the resources to escape poverty and the mobility to live where one prefers is a great asset. Before the pandemic hit, our economy was doing very well and unemployment among minorities was at a record low. All indications are that our economy is now making a strong rebound and this will certainly help. Also, programs like school choice, which allows parents to send their children to high quality schools is definitely an important way to ensure a successful career and future, and I strongly support it.

Another very successful program that has helped many former inmates of the state’s prison system is Senator Ron Johnson’s Joseph Project. Working with an inner-city pastor, this program helps former convicts living in the inner-city receive job training, and then matches them with employers in need of workers. The program also provides transportation to get the employees to their new jobs. I support this program and will be working with employers in the 23rd Assembly District who are in need of employees and may not be aware of this very successful program.

As for police reform, it is important to remember that many urban areas experience high crime rates, and a strong presence of law enforcement is a deterrent to crime. Of course, we want the very best officers on the street, and to that end I have authored and introduced a bipartisan piece of legislation to address this. It is LRB 6282 and would make several important changes to the Law Enforcement Standards Board. Basically the bill would assist law enforcement agencies to recruit, hire and train the most qualified officers, and ensure that any officer who has acted badly in his or her duties is removed from service, and is not simply shifted from one department to another. The bill is strongly supported by law enforcement. The bill passed the State Assembly unanimously as AB 506 in 2017 but was not taken up by the State Senate at that time. It will be taken up and passed by the Legislature early in the next session.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:
Addressing the drunk driving problem in Wisconsin has been one of my goals ever since entering the legislature. I have had several bills signed into law increasing penalties for drunk driving with the goal of achieving safer roads. This will continue to be a priority for me if re-elected. Along with tougher penalties, I have also worked for greater awareness and education of a problem that has been with us for far too long. I have been named Mothers Against Drunk Driving Legislator of the Year on numerous occasions.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I have worked extensively across the aisle on numerous issues of concern and have co-authored some important pieces of legislation with Democrats. That’s how we addressed the issue of “upskirting” in Wisconsin, which was not specifically against the law until we passed a bill, I co-authored with a Democrat legislator from Madison. Last session I worked with a legislator from Milwaukee to shut down a smoke shop that was being used as a front for selling drugs. The reason we have a structured settlement law in Wisconsin is because I co-authored a bill with a Democrat legislator from Eau Claire. There has been an ongoing bipartisan effort in the Legislature to address the opioid crisis and human trafficking. It’s vital that these initiatives continue in the next session of the Legislature