State Rep. Spencer Black (IMAGE: WRN)
State Representative Spencer Black says he won’t be seeking reelection this fall. The veteran Madison Democrat is coming off a major disappointment, as the legislature failed to take up the Clean Energy Jobs Act on which he was a lead author. “I think it was a big mistake not to pass the clean energy bill, the state really needs that,” said Black. “But that really didn’t influence my decision. It was a personal decision, one I’d been thinking about for a long time.”
Black, who’s served in the Assembly for 26 years, can look back on a record of success, particularly on the issue of protecting Wisconsin’s natural resources. “This year we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Stewardship Fund, and that’s protected over half a million acres of the best of what’s left of outdoors Wisconsin,” said Black. Black said he’s seen a more partisan edge in the legislature since he first took office, along with the increased importance of lobbyists and money, which he says are now “ruling the roost” in Madison.
Bob Hague interview (6:30 MP3) AUDIO: Bob Hague interview (6:30 MP3)