Christopher Able
DemocraticQ1 America has a growing artificial intelligence (AI) industry, supporting cutting edge innovation and reshaping businesses, but raising concerns about education, ownership, and security. Application of AI technology has increased the demand placed on data centers, controversial for their resource use (such as water and land) and raising utility costs. What are your policy positions in regards to data centers and AI? What sources of evidence informed these positions?
I believe that much of the stronger opposition to AI and data centers represents fear of the uncertainty of the future. I understand and support protectionist concerns about the environment but am confident rules can be set to calm those concerns.
Many are also concerned about losing their livelihoods to automation and this causes much of the concerns around AI. In the earliest part of this century, we saw many companies rework operations as they came out of the recession. They were able to do more with fewer employees. This shows that the concerns noted above are not irrational.
That said, business always changing and working to do more at lower costs. The nature of the work that businesses need is always going to change. We need to support skills training to help with these changes.
As far as works created through or with AI. These must have that clearly identified.
KEYWORDS: Reasonable / Protect the environment / Provide work skills training
Q2 Making the US competitive in the bioeconomy (using technology applied to renewable biological resources to produce food, energy and industrial goods) requires innovation and investments in business, academia and government. Please describe policies you will support, if any, that relate to workforce development in Wisconsin’s strengths such as agriculture, biotechnology, and energy; and explain their rationale.
Wisconsin has long been a leader in these fields and I would support government investment in prospective new technologies and strong support for UW programs to keep us at the forefront.
KEYWORDS: Wisconsin Idea / government investment
Q3 Wisconsin’s public K-12 education systems have seen a significant decline in the past two decades, with more than 600 public schools closing and statewide student enrollment dropping 7%. These impacts have been especially pronounced in Wisconsin’s many rural counties, where opportunities for STEM education are already fewer. What policies, if any, would you support to improve K-12 education for students across Wisconsin?
We need to fix Public School funding and provide a stabile (reliable) State funding plan to allow school districts to plan for the future. I do not support overly intrusive legislation from the State on instruction. Our school districts need strong local control.
KEYWORDS: Fix Funding / Local Control
Q5 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?
As I did a Library Board President during COVID, I will listen to and follow the guidance of experts and professionals. While some recommendations may be unpopular, we must follow the science.
KEYWORDS: Follow the Science
Q7 Wisconsin has faced an increasing number of infectious disease outbreaks in recent years, for instance with rising numbers of measles and avian influenza cases that threaten human health and agricultural industry, respectively. What policies, if any, would you support to manage the burden of infectious disease in the state and respond to future outbreaks?
While we cannot compel (silly) folks to get vaccinated, we must ensure that the Public Health is protected. We must promote the value of vaccinations and not allow unvaccinated people to turn places like schools into super-spreader locations
KEYWORDS: Public Health