Candidate for 60th District Aaron Puts Attention on Job Creation

• Editor's Note: This is one article in a series of profiles on the candidates running for the 60th Assembly District.

In running for the 60th Assembly District position, Rick Aaron said he has one important thing on his mind: jobs.

"Job creation would be my No. 1 focus," he said.

Aaron is one of nine candidates vying for the 60th District position, and one of two Democrats. The primary election for the spot is Tuesday; the top Republican and top Democrat candidate will move on to a general election on May 3. The 60th Assembly District seat has been empty to become transportation secretary for Gov. Scott Walker.

Aaron said the state needs to look to the future with a more aggressive attitude.

"(We must) encourage forward thinking which means investing in infrastructure, and investing in forward looking technologies," he said. "We must be competitive in the world market. We are currently falling behind."

Aaron said he doesn't anticipate positive results by the recent actions by Gov. Scott Walker.

"I am very disappointed with Gov. Walker's methods and lack of vigorous public debate regarding the Budget Repair Bill and his budget," Aaron said. "The governor seems to be taking a sledgehammer to the budget, and I think a scalpel would be more constructive."

The lack of debate is something Aaron said he sees as a problem throughout government offices.

"I am also very concerned about our governing system, it isn't working," he said. "We must relearn the art of listening. We are proud citizens of Wisconsin, not just Democrats or Republicans. Why has the word compromise become equated with 'losing'?"

Aaron is a retired school teacher and expressed concern for increasing numbers of students in classrooms.

"I know the difference of teaching 24 kids as opposed to 37," he said. "We are selling out our children, and will end up with ill prepared workers for the future."

Rick Aaron
"Job creation would be my No. 1 focus.  (Also, to) encourage forward thinking, which means investing in infrastructure and investing in forward looking technologies. We must be competitive in the world market. We are currently falling behind."
Educational/professional background: Educated in Milwaukee Public Schools, Graduated with a bachelor of science in elementary education from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1973), currently works as a director of activities at a senior living facility in Mequon
Political background: First time running for office
Family: Two children, ages 26 and 29
Age:  61
Address: 557 N. Cumberland, Bayside

Patch will have more coverage on candidates leading up to the elections. to find out more information about who will be on the ballot, as well as find links to other candidates' profiles.