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Hixson gets challenger in 43rd

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Evan Wynn

WHITEWATER — A retired military paratrooper with an eye on business development, state spending and education has jumped into the race for the 43rd Assembly District.

Whitewater educator and retired U.S. Army Master Sgt. Evan Wynn announced Thursday his bid to challenge incumbent Kim Hixson, D-Whitewater, on Nov. 2.

The announcement marks Wynn’s first bid for public office, but the 47-year-old Republican told the Janesville Gazette he’s not worried about his lack of political experience.

Wynn said 22 years of military service, including a tour of duty in Iraq, have given him the skills necessary to navigate in Madison.

“The military took me around the world. I don’t have all the answers, but I do have common-sense leadership skills,” Wynn said. “And I understand how important it is to listen to people on the street, and not just say, ‘We in Madison know best,’”

Wynn announced his candidacy outside UW-Whitewater’s College of Business and Economics building. The choice of venue wasn’t random.

A UW-Whitewater graduate and a driver’s ed teacher at New Glarus, Wynn sees value in education and in university programs that boost business development.

“Universities like UW-Whitewater are developing great ways to get business going,” he said.

Wynn wants to see state government do the same.

“Local business people say one big problem is they can’t budget. Legislature changes the rules too often. People want a set of rules that’s consistent,” he said.

Wynn also supports prioritized government spending. Wynn said he’s concerned state budget earmarks for recreation and culture could lead to a shortfall in funding for jobless benefits claims.

He criticized state supported plans for bike paths, and what he called a $500,000 plan to renovate an opera house in one northern Wisconsin city.

“Spending that way, it’s kind of tough to look unemployed people in the eye and tell them there’s nothing for them,” he said.

Wynn said nonessential spending could come later, when economic stability returns to the state.

Wynn, who retired from the Army in 2006 with a Bronze Star and a Legion of Merit medal, is an assistant high school football coach in Whitewater. He’s active in local organizations, and does regular service work, including local Christmas relief drives.

Wynn and his wife, Annette, have been married 20 years. Their daughter, Michelle, is a freshman at UW-Whitewater.

“I‘m just the average husband and father that wants what’s best for his family,” he said.