John Fons
RepublicanQ1 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?
The greatest detriment to development and construction of Data Centers is the imposition of Non-Disclosure Agreements on officials by corporate representatives to proceed with negotiations. This sours the entire atmosphere once details become known by the general public and has resulted in much of the discord currently affecting Data Center projects. Let the people know and let the people vote before money is invested or damage real or imagined is inflicted. In a room where everyone objects to Data Centers yet everyone holds a smart phone, the issue is not technology but rather failure of communication in public relations.
KEYWORDS: Vote Communication Nondisclosure
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.
Inventors and investors are visionary people. They see something that does not yet exist. It is vital that nothing obstruct their vision if they are to be enthusiastic about pursuing their vision in any given locale. Regulations, restrictions, prejudice and resentment all make it difficult or impossible to improvise and pursue the holy grail of progress. The rewards of innovation and theory brought to life are jobs, prosperity and arrival of more people who have heard that Wisconsin is a great place to make things happen. This is the unobstructed ideal. Yet it must be tempered inevitably by a state government who watches over the process and will not allow any unscrupulous influence to spoil the lives and opportunity of others.
KEYWORDS: Inventors Innovation Rewards
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?
I have seen firsthand the dedication and selfless devotion of students from other countries. A Chinese girl who experienced sixteen hour a day class studies without extra-curricular activities. A German boy who carried two full course loads, one here in Wisconsin and the second simultaneously on line with his school in Germany. Meanwhile I listen as the Madison Metropolitan School Board debates endlessly whether or not to allow students use of cell phones in class and which pronouns to apply to students who can barely read or write. We tend to spend fortunes on facilities in which students fall further and further behind in a competitive world. Outside the family, there is no more important relationship for youth than their teachers and academic environment. Fund teachers, fund the means of teaching and emphasize real learning and not feelings. Do not place apathic or undisciplined students and desultory teachers in a fancy new building and call it success in education.
KEYWORDS: Fund Discipline Success
Q5 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?
I offer a parallel: I am currently undergoing tests to determine the cause of a medical condition. I go to doctors and their staff. I submit to their tests and I expect to receive their diagnosis. In doing so I will accept or reject their course of treatment. I would expect to do the same in any question where specific information, data and comparative analysis are vital to making a correct and informed decision.
KEYWORDS: Information Analysis Decision
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?
Unfortunately, rumor propagated and disseminated through social media and other outlets muddies and distorts real questions or issues related to public health. Add to this the filter of political influence and the public becomes reluctant or resistant to solid, beneficial medical or scientific information and advice. Trust is therefore essential and trust is based on information freely and reliably provided by a government known for its commitment to public health and safety. The state is in an excellent position to provide that information. It relates to the ‘big picture’ and also speaks well to the local concerns.
KEYWORDS: Information Trust Reliable