To The Telegram:
I am proud to support Mary Tripp for the 73rd Assembly District.
My endorsement may come as a surprise to many of you who know me from my days as chief of staff and Commerce Secretary for Gov. Tommy Thompson. For those of you who do not know me I am the son of Pat and Marie McCoshen. I grew up in East End. My dad worked 27 years at Murphy Oil prior to his death. He was the president of the Operation Engineers union at Murphy Oil and also president of the Superior school board. My mom may have balanced some of your checkbooks at the National Bank of Commerce.
The past 10 years I have co-owned and operated a government affairs firm in Madison. I am a registered lobbyist for the Douglas County Development Association and do work for the city of Superior and Douglas County.
I don't know the other candidates in the race. I am sure they are all quality individuals.
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I have been friends with Mary Tripp since our days at East Junior High more than 30 years ago. Mary is a Democrat. And although she and I may not agree on many policy items I know she is the best candidate to represent the people of the 73rd Assembly District.
Mary Tripp understands what it takes to get things done. She knows the difference between motion and progress. Mary is extremely hard working and results oriented. She is also a great listener and has spent the entire summer hearing about your concerns. Mary is ready to act on those concerns. Most important, Mary recognizes you must compromise from time to time to actually get things done in Madison.
I have been working in the Capitol for the past 23 years. I can tell you from first-hand experience a bi-partisan approach is the best way to accomplish things in Madison. Want proof? I worked with the Mayor Dave Ross, Development and Government Affairs Director Jeff Vito, former Councilors Denny Dalbec and Kevin Norbie for several years to pass the terminal tax. This was money promised to Superior in the 1970s, but it was never delivered. It took a Democratic governor and a Republican Legislature to get it done. The terminal tax now generates more than $1 million per year, which has been used for economic development and debt retirement for the city.
I encourage all of you to look at Mary's background as a product of Superior public schools, as a daughter of a union member, as an active community volunteer, as a union member herself, as a dedicated teacher and finally look at her positions on key issues. Mary is highly qualified to serve the people of the 73rd District.
If you want to elect someone who can really make a difference in Madison, then vote for Mary Tripp on Sept. 9!
-- Bill McCoshen,
Madison
