Category Archives: State Lawmakers

“No regrets.”

That’s the message from state outgoing Rep. Mark Honadel in an extensive interview with Oak Creek Patch.

See it here. From it:

In a wide-ranging interview with Oak Creek Patch last week, Honadel said “he was going out on top,” proud of his career, accomplishments and approach to politics. 

He’s long prided himself on working with people of all political beliefs, while at the same time staying true to his. That philosophy guided his years as a legislator, he said. 

“If the cause was worthy, I’m not going to get all shook up about what’s what. Either you’re with me or you’re not. No sweat off my rear end,” he said. 

His accomplishments include changing the payout formula for communities hosting power plants. The formula used to be based on the value of the facility, which depreciates over time, and now is based on how much power the plant generates. …

Honadel also successfully pushed for a deregulation of the telecommunications industry and the Drexel Interchange, which opened late last year. In fact, the apples shown on the Drexel Avenue overpass are a tribute to the apple orchards, including the Honadel’s, that once graced the area. 

One of his most controversial causes was the mining legislation that passed last year. Honadel was a chief sponsor and advocate of the bill. 

Several groups and lobbyists approached Honadel, with his industrial background, about sponsoring a bill that would loosen regulations and overhaul the state’s mining laws. 

Supporters said the bill would help create a mine in northern Wisconsin, and Honadel also believed it would help southeastern Wisconsin companies like Caterpillar. 

“I said, ‘Yes, I want to be your guy. I’ll take this on,'” Honadel said. 

Then there were the Capitol protests of 2011, when thousands descended on Madison rallying against widespread changes to collective bargaining for public employees. 

Honadel views that as an ugly period for the Legislature, with protestors taking over the Capitol and Democratic state senators making a high-profile trip to Illinois. 

“I think the Legislature lost some dignity,” Honadel said. “I hope respect and dignity comes back, and I think it has.” 

What do you think of Honadel’s record? Post your comments below!

South Milwaukee’s Mark Honadel is stepping down after 10 years in the Assembly. He made the announcement this afternoon.

Here is the press release. His statement:

“Today I am announcing my resignation from the Wisconsin State Assembly.  I am proud to have represented the 21^st Assembly District for ten years.  I will be stepping down in mid-September to pursue an opportunity in the private sector.

It has been an extreme honor and pleasure to serve my constituents as their voice in Madison.  On their behalf I helped enact significant reforms that balanced the state budget without raising taxes, held the line on property taxes, and created a state surplus.

I am pleased to have worked hard on many other meaningful bills that have benefited our state’s economy and way of life for the people of Wisconsin.  Most recently, The Mining for Jobs Act passed earlier this year will allow responsible and safe use of our natural resources and create thousands of good-paying jobs around our state.

I want to thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle throughout my six sessions in the Assembly.  I will always treasure my time serving with them to work on the pressing issues facing our state.

Finally, I want to thank my family, friends, and neighbors in the 21^st Assembly District for their constant trust and support.  Serving my state in this way has truly been a unique and special opportunity.”

I’ll post more on this soon. In the meantime, post your comments below!