Politics

Printed in the Berlin Journal Newspapers on July 1st, 2010.

Jay Selthofner, a Green Lake resident for the past five years, has been building momentum over recent months as he makes a run for the 41st District seat in the Wisconsin State Assembly as an Independent candidate.  Originally from Poy Sippi, Selthofner graduated from Berlin High School and following secondary work at University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh, took a job in the insurance and investments field where he worked for nearly nine years.

Viewed by his supporters as someone who is passionate about improving the local economy as well as the environment, Selthofner is a respected member of the local business community who has a strong understanding of the problems facing area farmers, business, families and other citizens that make up the landscape of Wisconsin.

A strong piece of Selthofner’s campaign platform is centered on his proposal to legalize hemp cannabis, which Selthofner believes would “not only create many different types of jobs and generate revenue for our state and agencies that run it, but legalization of hemp cannabis would also help the environment in the process at no additional cost, making the world cleaner and safer for ourselves and for our future generations.”

With the recent ongoing oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico as just one example, Selthofner feels that Americans cannot go on using endless natural resources and wantonly polluting forever as though there are no consequences.

“We are killing ourselves, and our world is in shambles.  We can create biofuel from hemp cannabis, as well as many diverse and beneficial products including textiles, medicines and foods.”

Selthofner had never thought about running for public office before, but through his work and personal relationships in the community, many have come to agree with Selthofner’s ideals and encouraged him to run. “I feel I have a good grasp on the type of leadership the 41st District is looking for,” Selthofner said in a recent interview.

Selthofner added, “I believe I can be the voice that citizens of the 41st District need in Madison to get the job done.  We need to feel the effect in our district, one which benefits us all.  We need jobs, we need our economy to recover, and we need to start working toward a cleaner, safer environment for all.”

Selthofner will be walking in several 4th of July parades throughout the district this coming weekend.  Currently, Selthofner is planning on appearing in Wautoma on Friday, July 2; Princeton on Saturday, July 3rd; and either Green Lake or Neshkoro on Sunday, July 4th.  Selthofner also hopes to plan additional appearances and perhaps even listening sessions in the coming months or early fall.

To learn more about Jay Selthofner and his campaign platform, visit www.JaySelthofner.com