Candidate Questions: 80th Assembly District

Sondy Pope makes her case for re-election

Bio (personal, professional, education etc.): River Valley High School, MATC and Edgewood College; elected since 2002; Extensive history of employment in non-profits and volunteerism as an elected member of civic organizations; Fellow, Bowhay Institute, La Follette School, Univ of WI-Madison; Fellow, Flemming Institute, Center for Policy Alternatives; Oakhill Correctional Institution Advisory Board;  Agrace Hospice Care Patient and Family Partnership Council; Speaker’s Task Force on Water Quality; Urban Schools Task Force; Rural Schools Task Force; Common Core State Standards Task Force; Blue Ribbon Commission on School Funding; Midwestern Commission of High Education; Governor’s Read-to-Lead Council; State Superintendent’s Equity Council; member of National Caucus of Environmental Legislators; Study Committee on Infant Mortality; Study Committee on High School Achievement, Standing Committees of the Assembly on Education, Corrections and the Courts, Consumer Protection, Small Business Development, Urban Education, Housing, and many more.

 

Why are you running?   

My career in the legislature has been focused in three main areas: K-12 public education, the correctional system, and consumer protection, serving as the ranking member in each.  My specific understanding of the workings and challenges in these areas serves to continue the important work which remains to be accomplished.  I have long been a champion for adequate financial support for education and educators. With the leadership of Governor Evers we are on a better path toward reaching that goal.  

Because of the unacceptable gaps in educational achievement and opportunities for many of our minority students, I am committed to addressing the needs of these students, their educators, and their school districts, doing so with specifically targeted measures.  Poverty is a significant contributing factor in student success and Wisconsin must raise the minimum wage, allowing families access to the necessities of life and their children access to educational supports.  School districts and educators need to come prepared to meet the challenges of all students. We must provide the resources necessary yet not overburden property taxpayers.  

While serving on the Correction Committee I visited many of our prisons, meeting with inmates, employees, and wardens.  I have seen first-hand the conditions and challenges presented to and by each segment.

In our work in the Consumer Protection Committee we have a shared responsibility to consumers ensuring that their interests remain our first priority when considering and regulating goods and services. 

 

If elected, what would be your top priorities? 

Priorities will include an immediate response to the COVID-19 pandemic’s effect on healthcare systems, schools, and the economy; the national overdue call for racial and social justice and equality in all aspects of life; continued work for safe and clean ground and surface water sources; and fair voting practices including redistricting.  I have a personal commitment to see my Paid Family Medical Leave bill become reality for Wisconsin.  Had it been enacted, many of the individual workers struggling today would have been better off as the pandemic hit and they or one of their loved ones became ill.

 

What are the most important issues the 80th district is currently facing?  

In addition to all of the above, the 80th Assembly District also specifically needs access to affordable and efficient broadband service. Students face continued virtual learning experiences and many businesses are operating remotely.  Broadband should be dealt with much like utilities. Technology is a huge cog in the workings of life and any area without access disadvantages its residents in multiple ways.  It is our responsibility to make sure it happens soon and equitably. 

Especially now, our citizens need affordable, adequate, and easily accessed healthcare options as systems are overloaded with the COVID-19 response.  

We must provide supports for agriculture including improvements in our transportation infrastructure.  Businesses of all types and sizes depend on the ability to safely move products and goods.  Mental health accessibility is especially needed in the agriculture segment as farmers face declining support and diminished resources.

A more satisfying resolution to the Cardinal-Hickory Creek ATC line is an issue I have worked on for years and I will continue to look for new ways to intervene.   The people of the 80th District, along with many other organizations and individuals, have raised a significant and detailed objection to this line.  This effort has not yet swayed the Commissioners on the Public Service Commission, but efforts will continue as we seek better energy solutions.  

With numerous townships and villages in the 80th we need stronger support for municipalities and the infrastructure they provide.  Shared revenue will continue to be a discussion point between the state and the many municipalities that exist within it.

 

What are the most important issues the State of Wisconsin is currently facing?  

Without a doubt, it will be the pandemic response in healthcare, education, and the economy. We must finally put an end to systemic racism everywhere as it has been undeniably exposed with the recent horrific murder of George Floyd and others. A growing call for fair redistricting to end the gerrymandering that has skewed political representation. Wisconsin is viewed as one of the worst examples of gerrymandering in the nation.

  

What is the state legislature currently doing well?  

As a legislative body our official activities are easily viewed by the public although some of the decisions with the highest impact are decided outside public view; such as the secret maps of the previous redistricting.  We continue to serve with a certain amount of dignity and respect for the offices we hold and the people whom we represent.  The Capitol remains open to the public whenever the legislature is in session and the public can observe decision-making as it happens.  Committee meetings are open to the public and citizens are free to participate in the presentation of information through the hearing process.

 

In what areas could it improve?  

It is often said that legislators and the administration should end the rancor that is often made evident.  This is not a problem played out in Wisconsin only. In fact, it seems to be the very nature of a two-party political system.  Individuals are elected to “fight for the values” of various constituencies on a vast array of issues.  We campaign on the promise to fight for one thing or another as we bring our constituents’ voices to the Capitol. That process is not always conducive to the polite discussions imagined by those not directly involved in them, but it is certainly possible to disagree without being disagreeable.  

 

Which qualities, skills and/or experiences make you stand out as a candidate? Why would you be a good lawmaker?

I grew up on a small family dairy farm here in Wisconsin.  I was a small business owner, who, when suddenly widowed, became a single mother of a school student. I understand many of the struggles of the working middle class. I understand many of the challenges faced every day across Wisconsin communities. I am frequently reminded of the need to protect and support the folks who are working hard and just looking for the opportunities they need to keep Wisconsin’s economy moving while creating a great place to live and raise their families.  A clean and healthy environment has been the cherished history of this state with pristine waters, clean air, and open spaces in which to recreate and enjoy nature.  I want to ensure that future generations inherit the best of what Wisconsin was and can be.  As an incumbent legislator re-elected since 2003, I believe I have established my credentials as a good legislator.

 

Polls and public sentiment have long held that Wisconsin is a purple state, neither deeply blue nor deeply red. Can Democrats and Republicans find common ground in Wisconsin? If so, what steps need to be taken for them to create fruitful policies?

We have found that common ground and we have created policies together.  Unfortunately, it doesn’t happen often enough with one party being so deep into the minority that their voice is muffled and often silenced.  It will take the voices of the voters to move us in a more productive direction.

 

The Democratic 

Primary takes place Tuesday, August 11

 

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