WHERE IS TYLER AUGUST? WHY WON’T HE DEBATE GAULKE?

Elkhorn, WI - For a democracy to thrive and flourish, healthy debate is indispensable. It’s the bedrock of democracy in our political system.

Tyler August, the incumbent State Assemblyperson for District 32, has refused requests from both the press (Lake Geneva Regional News) and non-partisan non-profit organizations (the League of Women Voters) to participate in any public forums or debates with candidate Dr. Katherine Gaulke.

The Lake Geneva Regional News first approached the candidates in the month of August and the League of Women Voters approached the candidates in September. Dr. Gaulke responded affirmatively immediately. That was plenty of time to schedule and host a forum or debate prior to the election on Nov. 6th. But Tyler August - after ignoring multiple requests from each - eventually made a blanket statement that he won’t be able to fit it into his schedule, despite the fact that the Legislature is not in session and no specific dates were proposed.

Gaulke explained, “I’m raising a family in this district, teaching college, volunteering for nonprofits like Meals on Wheels and Open Arms Free Clinic, and running a campaign. If I can find a few hours to debate, so can he. District 32 residents deserve it.”

This is not democracy.

Gaulke further explained, “As I’ve traveled our community and spoken with neighbors, I hear over and over again that he is an absent representative. This isn’t just my personal experience with August, it is an unacceptable pattern. He rarely attends public events where he could be questioned by constituents who disagree with his record, and he simply ignores or stops responding to folks’ emails and Facebook messages.”

“That’s wrong, and it’s one of the reasons why I’m running - we deserve a responsive Assemblyperson in Madison, one who will engage with us and respond to us regardless of if we agree or disagree. We deserve someone who puts people above party and constituents above special interests,” continued Gaulke.

District 32 residents deserve to hear from their elected officials and candidates, to compare and contrast candidate positions and visions for how to make our community better. August’s refusal to present, on fair and neutral ground, his record and vision to our neighbors shows his arrogance and unwillingness to listen to constituents.

The residents of District 32 are tired of playing “Where’s Tyler?” and are ready for Gaulke, a Mom on a Mission, to be their voice in Madison. The community support for Gaulke, who has raised over $30,000, knocked over 3,000 doors, and gained 11 endorsements from local, national and state-wide groups, is strong and the momentum is growing.