Jonathan Wichmann

Jonathan Wichmann was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a conservative Wisconsin native, married to my wife Jacquelyn, and we reside just outside Milwaukee. As a small business owner, I recognize the challenges that Wisconsin businesses face and understand their important role in our economy. Economics has always been a passion of mine.

I care immensely about Wisconsin and want to see it thrive. I have already used my public platform to advocate for the people of Wisconsin, encouraging legislation and supporting their ideas. During my candidacy, I connected with residents, listening and learning about their concerns, like when I visited with business owners in Kenosha after the riots.

It’s important to me that people be given the power to make a choice on personal subjects, like vaccines and healthcare, especially as a vaccine-damaged individual. Additionally, as I’ve seen the rise in homelessness, and specifically veteran homeless, it’s clear that we need more services to combat this issue.

Ultimately, I believe Wisconsin deserves better than what it’s been getting. I’m hopeful that as the next governor, I can restore faith in Wisconsin government by better representing the people’s wishes.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Small Business GrowthDiversified Energy PlanEnding Homelessness

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

It is my position that the most critical component of our government is the economy because without a thriving economy, everything else will fail. That is why my most important policies include balancing the state’s budget and establishing a Rainy-Day fund for Wisconsin. We need to be economically prepared for the future, not just today. I’d also like to see job creation enhanced throughout the state, including rural areas, so that we can eliminate food insecurity and reduce poverty by bringing more opportunities to the people of Wisconsin. Furthermore, it’s time that Wisconsin reduces unnecessary administration costs that drain our state of its financial reserves. By shrinking our government and associated costs, we can put more money into the pockets of the people of Wisconsin. My extensive knowledge of capital markets combined with my experience as a small business owner has given me the skills to develop a successful strategy for a successful economy in Wisconsin.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to my father because of his work ethic. He taught me the importance of hard work and building character.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Integrity and telling the truth.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I’d like to show the people of Wisconsin what real freedom and prosperity feels like. I believe the system is grinding so many good people into the ground. I want to remove the burden of Government from the backs of citizens so they can thrive.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

9-11-2001

I was 16 years old.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My very first job was flipping burgers at Gilles Frozen Custard. That lasted a few months as I was deciding if I wanted to attend college or not.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Batman

A governor is the top executive authority in his or her state. What does that mean do you?

It is a great responsibility that must not be taken lightly. A good leader needs to have the proper vision that will benefit as many people as possible. The Governor should set the tone for the state and be the example.

Governors have many responsibilities, which vary from state to state. Which of those do you personally consider the most important in your state?

Bringing people together to make Wisconsin a great place to live. Being the spokesperson on critical issues and taking a stand for truth even if it might be unpopular. The Governor should also actively be working to create new job opportunities and marketing Wisconsin as a good place to do business.

Different states require governors to have different degrees of responsibility for the state budgeting process. If it were your choice, what do you believe is the appropriate degree of gubernatorial involvement with this process in your state?

I believe it is the Governor’s job to provide oversight in making sure taxpayer money is being spent appropriately and fairly. A Governor must anticipate the future needs of the state and make sure enough of the budget is being allocated so there are not any unexpected shortfalls. It is the job of the Governor to veto and make sure a budget is not ever-growing without the tax base being able to support the increase.

In most states, governors have the power to make line-item vetoes. If that is true in your state, what would be your philosophy for how and when to use this power?

I would veto budget items if they are unsustainable or if I believe the allocation amount is out of alignment with the program's need.

If the governor's office in your state does not have the line-item veto power, do you believe it should? Why or why not?

NA

What do you love most about your state?

The people and the beauty of nature.

Under what circumstances should the governor of your state be able to use emergency powers?

If there is a verifiable threat to a large portion of the population. Emergency powers should only be used when a Governor believes the delay of debate will cost too many lives.

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