Here & Now

What’s the Future for Bipartisanship in Wisconsin?

Zac Schultz:
Despite what’s in the extraordinary session, Republicans at the capitol say they want to work with governor-elect Evers. In tonight’s inside look, Republicans are asking Evers for a show of bipartisanship by keeping Governor Walker’s current Tourism Secretary Stephanie Klett. Earlier this week, we sat down with Assembly Republican Travis Tranel to ask him why.

Travis Tranel:
Well, first off Zach, thanks for having me on the program. Certainly appreciate the opportunity. I’ve been the chair of the Assembly Committee on Tourism since 2014. Since that time I’ve gotten an up close and personal look how tourism affects the state and also formed a relationship with Secretary Klett and her entire team. Deputy Secretary Sarah Klavas also does phenomenal work. The work they’ve done for the state, I think it’s admirable and it would be in our best interest to retain them if they’re willing to stay. And after talking with them, Secretary Klett would not only be willing to stay but excited to stay and I think that’s the direction we would be best served.

Zac Schultz:
What would be lost if there was a transition here?

Travis Tranel:
Certainly a lot of phenomenal good work has been done over the last eight years since she has been the tourism secretary. She knows the state inside and out. A lot of that was because of her previous work as the host of “Discover Wisconsin.” So she’s been working in tourism on a statewide basis and forming relationships and discovering all these hidden gems long before she was appointed to be the secretary of the Department of Tourism. If we were to make a change now, in the middle of her prime, I just think we would lose a whole host of experience and a team honestly that just has a phenomenal track record of success.

Zac Schultz:
Give me a sense of what the secretary of tourism can do when so much of Wisconsin’s tourism is based on seasons and things outside her control?

Travis Tranel:
Certainly. She can’t control when the leaves change color, for example. But one thing she’s done a phenomenal job of doing is actually making sure that not only residents of the state of Wisconsin but all throughout the Midwest, the country and even the world do know when the colors of the leaves are changing. They’ve done that through their website. They actually have a feature on there where people can log on and check and see where we’re at in terms of colors changing. One of their most popular and most visited pages on their entire website. The secretary, she’s just done a phenomenal job of making sure people are aware of what we have to offer and to me, if you’re asking people to come to your state and spend money, why are they going to do that? They’re going to do that because one, they want to have fun and that’s their new slogan is “Wisconsin, when you think of Wisconsin, what do you think of? You think of fun.” And we want to have them have experiences that they want to enjoy and come back and spend their money. She’s just done a great job of making sure they know that those options and opportunities are available.

Zac Schultz:
Typically a governor gets to choose who their cabinet members are. Is tourism a partisan issue?

Travis Tranel:
That’s another good point. In this case, too, certainly we want governor-elect Evers to have the opportunity to choose who he wants to be the tourism secretary. I just want to make sure that he knows Secretary Klett would be a very, very good choice. So she’s proven herself qualified. She’s done a phenomenal job. And we’re just humbly asking he looks at the body of work that she has demonstrated that she’s capable of doing and has performed very well and reappoint her.

Zac Schultz:
Now, this would obviously be a show of bipartisanship on governor-elect Evers part. How would that comport with the current atmosphere where Republicans are talking about maybe taking away some of the powers of the incoming governor or changing rules to make it more difficult for him on day one?

Travis Tranel:
Right. A good point that you raised previously. Tourism is about as nonpartisan as it can get. Governor-elect Evers has pointed out he’s looking for ways and opportunities to work with a Republican-controlled legislature. And we’ve said and I’ve said personally we’re looking for ways that we can work with the governor-elect. So I think this would be a great opportunity as we stated in our letter to show the people of the state of Wisconsin that we’re not interested in politics all the time but we’re interested in wins. This is a no-brainer situation where it’s obviously what’s best for the state of Wisconsin and hopefully that’s the conclusion that he draws as well.

Zac Schultz:
But when it comes to that extraordinary session the legislature’s considering, should the legislature be aware that they’re making a show of bipartisanship, too, when it comes to what they may pass?

Travis Tranel:
Certainly as you know, there’s been no bill that’s been proposed. Everything I’ve seen and heard discussed is all about just making sure the legislature is a separate but equal branch of government when it comes to moving forward in the state. I think that’s something that all citizens can agree with and get on board with.

Zac Schultz:
When it comes out what’s actually going to be in some of those bills, do you think some of the fear will die down compared to what’s been theorized to be out there?

Travis Tranel:
Absolutely. I think you raise a great point. The things that I’ve heard discussed have absolutely nothing to do with what I’ve seen being reported. Again, we just want to make sure they are separate but equal branches of government and that if there are any major changes in this state that the legislative and the executive are on the same page. And I think that’s what people want when it comes to good government.

Zac Schultz:
Representative Tranel. Thanks for your time.

Travis Tranel:
Thanks for your time Zac.