Scott Williams swilliams@wolfrivermedia.com
Leader Photo by Scott Williams Gov. Scott Walker, right, chats with Shawano County residents Thursday following a community listening session inside VFW Post 2723 in Shawano.
Setting politics aside amid the roar of a presidential race, Gov. Scott Walker visited Shawano on Thursday to seek input from local residents on future priorities for the state.
Walker met with about 25 community leaders and others inside VFW Post 2723 for a wide-open discussion about education, job training and other issues.
Participants in the closed-door meeting said there was no discussion about the Nov. 8 presidential election between Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump.
The Republican governor, who made his own brief run for president, is planning to hold similar listening sessions in all 72 counties throughout the state.
“All he was doing was picking everybody’s brains,” participant Ray Heinritz said.
Other participants at Thursday’s session included Shawano Mayor Jeanne Cronce, Shawano County Board Chairman Jerry Erdmann, Shawano School District Superintendent Gary Cumberland, and State Rep. Gary Tauchen, R-Bonduel.
Walker said afterward that he appreciated the input he received during the estimated 90-minute discussion inside the VFW hall. He said he asked the participants to set aside any political differences and articulate their vision for Wisconsin up to 20 years into the future.
The governor said he heard strong sentiment for strengthening job-training efforts, for remaining focused on education and for retaining young talent — all priorities that he shares.
“It affirms what we’ve been doing,” he said.
Walker said participants also urged him to bolster the state’s efforts at upgrading internet service in rural areas. The state already provides $1.5 million a year to internet providers, and the governor said he hopes to increase funding with the goal of ensuring quality internet service statewide.
“We’ve got to figure out a way,” he said.
Participants in the meeting with Walker called it a healthy dialogue that was devoid of politics.
Melissa Olsen, president of the Shawano Country Chamber of Commerce, said she enjoyed talking with the governor about the University of Wisconsin System and about the importance of keeping higher education affordable.
“It was very positive,” Olsen said.
Another participant, Roger Pescinski, said he was pleased that the governor and his staff were willing to hear public concerns about farming, education and other important issues.
“Not everything is an easy fix,” Pescinski said. “But they’re listening.”