Wisconsin Candidate Page

Q1 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 support responsible AI innovation that balances economic growth with environmental stewardship and community health. As a clinical pharmacist and public health advocate, I prioritize evidence-based policies that protect Wisconsin families while fostering technological advancement.

I advocate for transparent environmental impact assessments before approving new data centers, requiring water usage disclosure and sustainable cooling technologies. Evidence shows AI data centers consume exponentially increasing energy, straining local utilities and resources. Streamlined permitting should not bypass community input or environmental safeguards.

I support public investment in AI research focused on healthcare applications, education, and workforce development, ensuring benefits reach all communities rather than consolidating corporate power. Wisconsin should leverage AI for medication management, behavioral health outcomes, and technical college training programs.

Clear data ownership laws and cybersecurity standards protect patient privacy and prevent algorithmic bias in healthcare and criminal justice.

Evidence Base: Congressional testimony on AI’s economic impacts, University reports (Stanford & Vanderbilt reports were reviewed) on AI regulation, and environmental studies on data center resource consumption inform these positions.

KEYWORDS: AI regulation, data center sustainability, healthcare innovation

Q1 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 support responsible growth of AI and the data centers that power it because they are essential to America’s economic competitiveness and national security. At the same time, data center projects should be transparent, respect local decision-making, and address impacts on water, energy, and infrastructure without unfairly shifting costs onto residents. My views are informed by research from industry, government, and academic sources, as well as discussions about AI’s impact on jobs, privacy, energy, and rural communities. AI should strengthen American innovation while protecting taxpayers and individual rights.

KEYWORDS: AI

Q1 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 am against the data centers. Without real solid laws regarding A.I. inplace, we shouldn’t be moving forward with anything. What limitations do corporations really have with A.I now or oversight?

Q1 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?

Mark supports the development of artificial intelligence engines but only with iron-clad regulations to protect human wellbeing, jobs, data privacy, and of course environmental protections. He’s proposing a 1-year moratorium on all new AI data center construction to give policymakers time to develop a regulatory framework to ensure that this powerful technology benefits humanity, is ecologically friendly, and can be powered entirely by 24/7 renewable energy created right here in America. He also supports strong water quality protections and the use of closed-loop geothermal cooling systems.

KEYWORDS: climate change, renewable energy, clean water

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.

I support expanding Wisconsin Fast Forward grants to fund biotechnology, agricultural innovation, and renewable energy training programs at UW System campuses and technical colleges. Evidence shows programs like MREA’s Solar Ready Wisconsin successfully placed 27 interns with solar contractors, demonstrating public-private partnerships work.

Biotechnology & Healthcare: As a clinical pharmacist, I would look to increase UW-Madison and MCW biohealth research funding, creating pipelines from technical colleges to specialty pharmacy and behavioral health careers. Wisconsin’s Biohealth Tech Hub shows strong ecosystem growth requiring skilled workers.

Agriculture Innovation: Support UW Extension’s agricultural education programs and FFA partnerships, training workers in precision agriculture, sustainable farming, and food processing—Wisconsin’s economic backbone.

Clean Energy: Expand Wisconsin Solar Corps and Focus Force Milwaukee models statewide, prioritizing disadvantaged communities for renewable energy career pathways. DWD’s $1 million green jobs investment proves effective.

Rationale: Wisconsin faces workforce shortages in high-skill sectors while workers need re-skilling opportunities. My healthcare background shows targeted training improves outcomes—same applies to bioeconomy sectors. These policies leverage existing UW System infrastructure, technical college networks, and proven models like MREA’s NABCEP certification programs.

KEYWORDS: workforce development, bioeconomy innovation, technical 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.

I support workforce development that prepares Wisconsinites for careers in agriculture, biotechnology, manufacturing, energy, and other high-demand industries. Strong partnerships between employers, technical colleges, and universities can help fill workforce shortages while keeping Wisconsin competitive. My priority is investing in education and training that leads to real jobs, supports innovation, and strengthens our rural and local economies.

KEYWORDS: JOBS AND WORKFORCE

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.

Robotics and A.I have its place. I also understand with any new technology it can be abused and used for bad intentions. With the advancements in A.I and the speed that it is advancing. The question really is, when do humans become the roadblock for A.I to keep advancing and what are the consequences of trying to stop it. Robotics and the purpose of A.I is to complete task in a more and efficient way. A job is a task. If we dont put restrictions on A.I. I feel it will create an economic disaster due to no or limited incomes.

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.

Mark is the only candidate in this Congressional race supporting the creation of the world’s largest renewable biomass market powered by America’s farmers. This plan builds on the excellent work being done at UW’s agriculture school and would support the production of renewable biomass for 24/7 electrical generation, bio-fuels (including sustainable aviation fuel - SAF), bio-plastics, building materials, paper products, textiles, etc.. Wisconsin has the resources, Wisconsin has the talent; we just need fresh, independent leaders to think long-term again.

KEYWORDS: biomass, agriculture, next-generation, bio-fuels, renewable energy

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.

As the only candidate in this 8th Congressional District race who has taught full-time in a Wisconsin public school, Mark brings a wealth of experience and expertise. He supports educational choice exclusively through public charter schools, his tax modernization plan (#TinyTax) would keep more than $20 billion per year in our local and Wisconsin economy which would be use to increase funding for our shared public infrastructure, including public schools. He also supports a massive increase in funding for the arts and humanities to offset the effects of artificial intelligence and to strengthen student understanding, curiosity, creativity and achievement. Lastly, he supports equalizing funding for schools across rural Wisconsin, winding down our broken voucher program, and supporting job training for advanced manufacturing across the state.

KEYWORDS: public charter schools, tax reform, rural education

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 support fully funding Wisconsin’s public schools to reverse the 600+ school closures and 7% enrollment decline, particularly impacting rural STEM access. As a school board treasurer and pharmacist preceptor, I’ve seen how underfunding devastates educational opportunities.

Equitable Funding Reform: Restore state commitment to cover two-thirds of school costs through Fair Funding formulas, reducing property tax burdens while ensuring rural districts have resources for science labs, technology, and qualified STEM teachers.

STEM & Robotics Expansion: Mandate K-12 STEM programming as fully funded extracurricular activities, including robotics teams, coding clubs, and science competitions. Treat these like athletics—essential enrichment, not luxury add-ons. Research shows hands-on STEM improves retention and college readiness.techplan+1

Rural School Support: Increase sparsity aid beyond $2 million, recognizing rural schools face higher per-pupil costs. Fund regional STEM hubs where multiple districts share resources, teachers, and equipment like 3D printers and robotics kits.

Teacher Development: Expand science teacher professional development funding ($250,000 insufficient) and create loan forgiveness for STEM educators in underserved areas.

Rationale: Wisconsin’s education spending trails national averages while voucher programs drain resources. My healthcare career was built with a strong WI public university science programing—every child deserves that foundation.

KEYWORDS: school funding equity, STEM education access, rural education support

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 support strengthening K-12 education by focusing on core academics, empowering parents, supporting teachers, and giving local school districts the flexibility to meet their communities’ needs. I also support expanding career and technical education and STEM opportunities so students are prepared for college, the skilled trades, military service, or the workforce.

KEYWORDS: EDUCATION

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?

There are to many things wrong with the publice education system. We need a complete overhaul. We have teacher issues and the teachers Union. We student education and graduation issues. To administration and financial issues. This is a major task to take on and requires a lot of investigations into schools themselves before anything should be done. Is it an administrative issue or something totally different. What are the education system expectations vs the communitie expectations. Lots of issues and sometimes I think the overwhelming issues are on purpose. Dont know for sure. It sure feels like it.

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?

As a clinical pharmacist and behavioral health specialist, I’ve witnessed how infectious disease outbreaks devastate healthcare systems. I support evidence-based policies aligned with Wisconsin Public Health Association (WPHA) recommendations to protect communities and agriculture.

Vaccination & Prevention: Strongly support mandatory school vaccination requirements with medical exemptions only, following WPHA’s 2019 measles resolution urging vaccination of every eligible person. Fund public health campaigns reaching vaccine-hesitant communities through pharmacists and local health departments.

Surveillance & Response: Increase CDC PHEP grant funding for disease surveillance, immediate reporting systems (Category I diseases within 72 hours), and outbreak response teams. Protect local health officer authority to act swiftly during emergencies.

Healthcare Preparedness: Require long-term care facilities maintain PPE stockpiles, respiratory illness protocols, and staff training—lessons from COVID-19 and current avian influenza threats.

Workforce Investment: Address public health nurse shortages through recruitment initiatives and restore the DHS Director of Public Health Nursing position, recognizing workforce as critical infrastructure.

Agricultural Protection: Coordinate DHS, DATCP, and UW Extension for zoonotic disease monitoring, protecting both farm workers and livestock industries from avian influenza.

Rationale: WPHA emphasizes collective action on root causes and evidence-based policy. My pharmacy experience shows prevention saves lives and costs less than outbreak response.

KEYWORDS: vaccination policy, disease surveillance, public health preparedness

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?

I support strong disease surveillance, public health preparedness, and protecting Wisconsin’s agriculture from outbreaks that threaten people and livestock. Government should provide timely, accurate information and coordinate with health professionals and producers while respecting individual rights and avoiding unnecessary mandates. Our response should be guided by science, transparency, and proportional measures.

KEYWORDS: PUBLIC HEALTH

Q6 In 2025 alone, the National Institute on Health (NIH) awarded over $575 million for research grants and contracts to Wisconsin universities and hospitals, which directly supported over 6,500 jobs and generated an estimated $1.37 billion of economic activity. However, federal funding cuts for science research and agencies like the NIH and National Science Foundation leave the future for scientific research less assured. What policies, if any, do you support or plan to implement to promote continued funding for scientific research?

I would like to see more of a push tords space travel studies and the health issues regarding that. Food, water and over all health are an important factor of space travel. That research would spread all over. I also have to be realistic. We are a nation in massive debt and spend a lot of money on the military industrial complex. I would like to see that change to more of an American technology investment. Thats my hope. Advancing human health and curing diseases. Not just making treatments. I will say I love technology. I also understand the good and bad with technology and feel some oversight while expanding our children’s future education in the technology are both very important. Smarter Americans is a good thing. We wouldn’t need so many overseas workers in America. History has taught us, the governments suppression of technology is real.

Q6 In 2025 alone, the National Institute on Health (NIH) awarded over $575 million for research grants and contracts to Wisconsin universities and hospitals, which directly supported over 6,500 jobs and generated an estimated $1.37 billion of economic activity. However, federal funding cuts for science research and agencies like the NIH and National Science Foundation leave the future for scientific research less assured. What policies, if any, do you support or plan to implement to promote continued funding for scientific research?

Mark’s tax reform proposal (#TinyTax) would fully fund all spending allocated by Congress in the 2022-24 budget, including fully funding the Centers for Disease Control, the National Institute on Health, the National Academy of Science, NASA, et.al.. Mark believes strongly that impounding Congressional spending by the executive branch is bth unconstitutional and outright unworkable and he supports strengthening the separation of powers between Congress and the Executive Branch. He also supports minimizing Presidential executive orders as a means of instituting public policy.

KEYWORDS: #TinyTax, NIH, CDC, NASA

Q5 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?

As a clinical pharmacist who precepts pharmacy students and manages behavioral health patients, I rely on scientific evidence daily. If elected, I would consult scientists in multiple capacities:

Direct Policy Areas: Healthcare legislation (medication safety, mental health outcomes), building and construction (engineers, union tradesmen) environmental regulations (water quality, air pollution), education curricula (STEM standards, evidence-based teaching), and public health emergencies (pandemic response, vaccination policy).

Advisory Mechanisms: Establish relationships with scientific experts within Wisconsin, UW researchers, medical professionals, and public health experts to review legislation before votes. My advisory plan mimics how healthcare uses pharmacy & therapeutics committees for medication decisions.

Evidence-Based Decision Making: Consult peer-reviewed research, CDC guidelines, and Wisconsin-specific studies from Wisconsin college and university institutions when crafting policies affecting schools, healthcare, and environment.

Transparency: Publicly disclose which scientific sources informed each policy position, allowing constituents to evaluate evidence quality. Scientists serve as honest brokers presenting options, not advocates dictating choices.

Rationale: My healthcare career demonstrates that ignoring scientific consensus harms patients—same applies to public policy. Wisconsin faces complex challenges (climate change, healthcare access, education outcomes) requiring expert input alongside constituent values and fiscal realities. Science informs but doesn’t replace democratic decision-making.

KEYWORDS: evidence-based policy, scientific advisory committees, transparent decision-making

Q5 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?

I believe scientific expertise should inform public policy, especially on technical and emerging issues. At the same time, elected officials must also consider the Constitution, economic impacts, public input, and individual rights. My decisions will be informed by credible scientific evidence while balancing the broader responsibilities of representative government.

KEYWORDS: TRUST IN SCIENCE

Q5 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?

I have high respect for scientists. Take the information with importance. I also understand science changes and so do some theories. So a good debate with facts can get to a more reasonable solution to problems we can solve for the betterment of all.

Q5 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?

America must continue to lead on scientific research, and must always lead all policy decisions at the local, state, federal and international levels. And this includes not only physical science, but most especially social science research that can help us make better policy decisions designed to help improve human and environmental wellbeing. Mark believes that public policy should never be driven by religion, mythology, tribalism, nor by intuition. While there are certainly areas of human endeavor that can include these concepts, public policy should never be one of them.

KEYWORDS: objectivity, social science, scientific discovery, prosperity, human wellbeing