By State Representative, Leon D. Young
Leon D. Young
If you are like me, you are probably reeling from last Tuesday’s recall election results. Most polls and pundits predicted a close election, with the final result still in question well into the night. But, that’s not the way it unfolded.
The electorate showed up early and often and gave Scott Walker a convincing victory, but it would be a major mistake to assume that this election result constitutes a clear mandate from Wisconsin voters. Buoyed by his new lease on political life, where will Scott Walker take the Badger State and, equally as important, what will be the tone of his executive management style going forward?
Walker is planning on convening a Summer Legislative Cookout in an attempt to mend political fences with Democrats in the Legislature. This sounds like good public policy, on its face, but is there any political substance?
Scott Walker has made public declarations in the past that he is willing to work with Democrats, for the greater good of the state. However, when push came to shove, the typical GOP mantra (tax breaks for the rich, while cutting public education and social service programs) has reared its ugly head.
Scott Walker has virtually torn this state apart with his ultra-conservative, right-wing agenda. Walker , in hindsight, alleges that he has learned his lesson in being less than candid in terms of his political bottom line. Post-recall Walker has begun his new stint in office by offering an olive branch to Democrats, in the form of a brat Summit at the Executive Residence.
But, the real riff that separates the governor and his GOP cohorts from the other side of the aisles is the matter of their draconian legislative agenda, which is pillaging the working class. In the final analysis, it remains to be seen whether they (Walker and company) are truly willing to make any concessions on easing the burden on working-class families.