EDITOR:

My opponent for the state Assembly recently criticized a release from Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce recognizing me for supporting businesses in Wisconsin. He criticized that recognition and listed issues that he feels I haven’t prioritized, like clean water. The truth is, he’s not familiar with my record because he’s only lived in the district for 18 months.

Clean water is a priority and my record reflects it. I was one of only three Republicans who co-authored bills directed at PFAS contamination. They provided programs, resources and a cancer cluster study. Supporters of the bill are Clean WI, Water Quality Association of WI, WI Association of Local Health Departments, and WI Public Health Association. WMC registered and heavily lobbied against the bills. I will reintroduce the legislation next session because you can support businesses AND believe you can do it responsibly and in the best interest of public health.

I’ve met with JCI/TYCO about expanding the testing area after constituents on Lake Noquebay received a letter from the company offering bottled water because their private well is within the vicinity of a farm that received bio solids from the City of Marinette. They had also seen white foam on the lake. JCI/TYCO said they didn’t intend to expand their testing area at this time so I asked the DNR to do the testing. The DNR recently notified my office that in the absence of JCI/TYCO testing the lake, the agency would complete the work. The sampling is happening as we speak and I anticipate results later this fall.

I’m a vocal opponent of the Back 40 Mine because of the threat it poses to the Menominee River. I sent a letter to the Michigan Governor and the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy asking the project isn’t given approval. I’ve sent letters asking the federal government to recognize the river as a navigable waterway; and, that the Menominee cultural landscape, Anaem Omot, be recognized on Michigan’s National Register of Historic Places.

I didn’t run for office because I had higher ambitions. I ran because I care about my community. I was born in this district. I married my high school sweetheart and together we raised four boys In Marinette County. Like the people I serve, I prefer to keep my nose to the grindstone and talk with people directly and find our common ground. I’ve been able to get a number of bills passed the past four years of a split government because I’m focused on the issues that are important to our area and I’ll work with anyone who will help improve the quality of life for the people I serve.

Jeff Mursau

Representative, 36th Assembly District

Crivitz, Wis.