Congressman Sensenbrenner visits Delafield

Brandon Concannon Colter, Staff Writer

“I’m not big bird.” Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner replied to one constituents question, “If the Republican party asked you to cluck like a chicken would you rent the chicken suit or would you buy it out right?”

Congressman Sensenbrenner (D-5) met constituents for a town hall meeting at 9 a.m. on March 3, in Delafield.

There was a mix of support and opposition to his policies as well as Trump administration’s policies in the room. There was support from all for a few items during the agenda. Mainly for Congressman Sensenbrenner voting no to the Massie bill, which would abolish the Department of Education.

“I strongly oppose the House Bill 610.” Fran Bills of Pewaukee said.

Congressman Sensenbrenner said if that is the Massie bill that abolishes the Department of Education, I will not vote for it.

This was not the only topic on the agenda for the day, there were many questions about the Affordable Care Act or ACA or “Obama” care. The replace and repeal of the Affordable Care Act is one item that the Congressman campaigned on in this last election winning by a large margin.

“I don’t want to see Lifetime limits and pre-existing conditions thrown out,” Robin Ryans of Pewaukee said.

“Pre-existing conditions will not be thrown out I’ll tell you that,” Sensenbrenner said.

Sensenbrenner proceeded to explain his thoughts on the replacement and voiced how he understands the concern.

“Whenever there is big change everybody worries,” Sensenbrenner said. “The devil we know is better than the devil you don’t.”

Attendee Mike Cummings spoke of a large list of issues but finally came to a point that the Congressman did not appreciate.

“Jim you are one of the wealthier members of congress,” Cummings said. “Your net worth has been estimated at $24 million.”

Sensenbrenner said every one of his assets are disclosed down to the penny.

The Congressman’s assets are disclosed in the congressional records it states that his assets were valued at over $12 million as of July 8, 2016.

The environment was one issue that was also spoken about. One Pewaukee resident voiced her concern of the congressman’s votes on House Resolution 26 the Rains act and House resolution 38, which abolishes the stream protection rule.

Citizen Holly Paulsen said that she was disappointed in the congressman and wished to see him depart from party lines more in future votes.

“Well I think my record shows that I disagree with my party,” Sensenbrenner said. “Look at the voting rights act.”

When speaking about Clean air and Clean water, Sensenbrenner stated his concern with the E.P.A. and the DNR doing the duplicate job. He voiced that he believes that the Wisconsin DNR does a superior job for enforcing environmental regulations.

The congressman hosts many town hall meetings throughout the year and welcomes all citizens that are in District Five which includes the town of Whitewater north of Main Street.