Retired Oconto Falls School District Superintendent Dave Polashek on Nov. 18 announced his candidacy as a Democrat for the 12th state Senate District.
“I now have a new full-time job,” Polashek said after making the announcement at ST Paper Stadium at Oconto Falls High School.
Prior to the announcement in Oconto Falls, Polashek launched his campaign at visits to Rhinelander and Antigo. The district encompasses all but the southeast edge of Oconto County and all or part of nine other counties to the north and west: Vilas, Oneida, Florence, Lincoln, Marinette, Langlade, Menominee, Shawano and Forest.
Polashek plans to spend the next year traveling the 12th District, listening to and learning from its residents. The election for the four-year term will take place on Nov. 8.
“We look forward to lots of miles and meeting lots of people,” he said.
Polashek, who retired in July, spent 37 years as a school superintendent, including 22 in Oconto Falls.
“For the last 37 years as a Wisconsin school administrator, I’ve listened, brought people together and worked to address the challenges and opportunities facing our communities,” Polashek said. “I’ll take that same common sense approach to the state Senate.”
While his background may be in education, Polashek said it’s not his only focus. He said concern for the outdoors is slipping away, and he wants to promote the environment and protect the state’s natural resources. He also spoke of investing in the infrastructure, to create jobs, supporting small businesses and defending local control.
He said state politicians have reduced the transparency in government and shut citizens out of the process, giving outside interests more influence.
“That’s not what Wisconsin needs. We deserve better,” he said.
Polashek said he’s been passionate about these issues for a long time — many which he addressed in his weekly column for the Times Herald — and decided to no longer sit on the sidelines.
Dan Cole, of Abrams, vice chairman of the Oconto County Democratic Party, was among about a dozen people who came to witness Polashek’s announcement.
“He’s always been a square shooter,” Cole said.
“I think it’s good news,” added Oconto Falls High School teacher Charlie Rochon, saying Polashek would speak up for education.
Polashek is married to Kim Davis and lives in Oconto Falls. He has four adult children and seven grandchildren.
Sen. Tom Tiffany, R-Hazelhurst, holds the Senate seat. He was elected in 2012 to fill the seat vacated by Democrat Jim Holperin, who did not run for office.
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