Interview with Independent WI State Assembly candidate Jay Selthofner by Gary Storck (Madison NORML Examiner)

Interview with Independent Wisconsin State Assembly candidate Jay Selthofner

August 12th, 2010, Gary Stork (Madison NORML Examiner)

Read the original article at:  http://www.examiner.com/norml-in-madison/interview-with-independent-wi-state-assembly-candidate-jay-selthofner

MADISON: While marijuana law reform is long overdue in Wisconsin, it is heartening to see more and more candidates willing to take on so-called “third-rail” issues like drug policy reform. One such candidate is Jay Selthofner, who is running for the Wisconsin State Assembly in District 41 as an Independent candidate. The seat is currently held by Rep. Joan Ballweg (R-Markesan).

I first met Mr. Selthofner last fall as the campaign to pass the Jacki Rickert Medical Marijuana Act was first ramping up, in the weeks before the press conference announcing the launch of the bill. We worked together on the medical cannabis issue both at the Capitol and outside, and he became an integral part of state efforts, focusing on fieldwork and outreach. Selthofner developed the Talking Hemp and Cannabis Tour beginning with Berlin and moving forward. His organizational skills were demonstrated with the Wal-Mart/JRMMA rallies, a high water mark in Wisconsin modern day cannabis activism, with dozens of events happening all over the state on one day.

While the JRMMA failed to pass, running for state legislature seems like a logical next step for Selthofner. Madison NORML Examiner asked him a few questions about his candidacy and how he got there.

MNE: What made you decide to run for the State Assembly?

JS: When I was younger, around 17-19 years old I worked with some of my mentors developing a variety of life goals. One of those goals was “do my civic duty by getting elected to something (after 35)”. I had been exposed to politics on several levels in my life, working for the last year in depth on drug policy reform. In my most recent work, the people of my district and surrounding area, my former clients, family and other politicians urged me to run for this State Assembly seat with an emphasis on marijuana reform.

MNE: Why did you choose to run as an Independent instead of one of the two major parties or a Libertarian or Green?

JS: I took the collective advice of many and decided to run as an Independent. In all reality, I do not fit any mold nor label. The Independent Candidate itself is a statement that many people I speak to agree with. “We need to take the party of out of politics and put the people back” is now a slogan we also use.

In my past work I have excelled at networking with professionals, problem solving through educating and scenario management with goals of achieving financial security through a systemic implementation of short and long term planning. These are key elements of a successful state representative.

MNE: How have your opponents responded to your candidacy?

JS: I only met Nicholas Quade from Markesan once, during the June Dairy Days Parade in Markesan. He is republican challenging the incumbent and I only introduced myself and gave my brief reason for running. I have been in touch with the other two candidates. I have known each for sometime now and I would say they support reform of the current marijuana laws. The Incumbent Joan Ballweg (R-Markesan) was involved in sponsorship of Assembly Bill 206 (Industrial Hemp) during the last legislation session. I see the Democratic challenger Scott Milheiser from Fremont as supporting reform in marijuana laws because of my work, the issue was not on his radar screen as a candidate earlier this year when I spoke to him and other leading democrats in the surrounding counties.

MNE: What is your top issue?

JS: My main platform is reform in the current marijuana laws. Domestic farmers should be allowed to grow industrial hemp for food, fuel and fiber. The battlefield on this so called war on drugs is littered with patients and care givers who find therapeutic relief from using medical marijuana. We need to take the sick, dying and disabled patients off the battlefield, we need to allow doctors to have all tools available and we need to treat marijuana as a public health issue and criminal law with prohibition is not the humane or efficient way to deal with public health issues. Abuse of prescription drugs, alcohol and cigarettes kill too many Wisconsinites every year and legalizing recreational cannabis will offer a safer choice for Wisconsin. We need to protect the freedoms of our citizens to use cannabis responsibly and spend tax payer dollars wisely.

Regulating the marijuana industry is the key. Rather than policing this plant in an already strained system under the tax payer supported prohibition is not working and the public supports a change in this policy. A change will create new jobs in many sectors, including: farming, equipment manufacturing, transportation, production of goods and more. Hemp cannabis could provide a huge economic boost, reduce fossil fuel use, heal hurting patients and provide revenue for underfunded state and local needs.

MNE: Have voters been receptive?

JS: As I go out in the district, the support is overwhelming and at times amazing. The knowledge everyday citizens have on the subject matter is correct and the issue is not controversial at all to them.

MNE: What have you learned from the campaign so far?

JS: I have learned a great deal about other issues in our district as well, topics from the deer herd management, snowmobile trails, tourism, raw milk, states’ rights, property taxes are on peoples minds. Voters see me as a vital link for them. I am very approachable and passionate, voters see me easily becoming a champion for their cause also. “Party politics” and voting the party line, in Madison and at the polls is another topic of conversation everywhere and is getting the blame for not getting anything done, ever! Voters in my district may even be viewed as political reformists as they see this also as an opportunity to elect an Independent to our State Assembly, which is monumental in itself.

MNE: How do you think you’ll do on Nov. 2?

JS: I have already won and expect to have small victories along the way up to November 2nd. If I get elected or not, that is up to the will of the people who show up that day, it certainly will not label me a loser. In all seriousness, this is the perfect storm and the political atmosphere is right, with the polling and work we have done so far, winning the election will not come as a surprise to anyone in our district.

MNE: How do people learn more about your campaign?

JS: It is becoming common for people to recognize and approach me for a handshake, so whatever we are doing is working. People are finding out about my campaign by a variety of social media sites. Our local newspapers continue to give the campaign positive coverage. Campaign yard signs and billboards are found throughout the district. The Friends of Jay are everywhere spreading the word. We are trying to attend as many community events as we possibly can. I think I have a head start on the competition on the door to door canvassing, as I have been educating the public on issues over the past year, door to door style. The people who do not know about the campaign are harder to find then supporters, so that is showing to be a good sign. I still am seeing 70-80% support for marijuana reform when I knock on a door, and many of those folks took a yard sign also.

For more information on Jay Selthofners candidacy for Assembly District 41, visit the Jay Selthofner Official Campaign Website, blog, or Facebook page:

Friends of Jay Selthofner