Jerry Shidell, Libertarian candidate for state treasurer

HIRE ME then FIRE ME!

The above theme sums up my campaign for state treasurer on the Libertarian Party ticket very concisely. My No. 1 job, if I get this job, is to eliminate this job! The Legislature has complete authority over the duties of the treasurer. The Wisconsin Constitution is very explicit on that point. The Legislature has chosen to strip virtually every duty and power from the state treasurer. Therefore, the next logical step is to eliminate the job.

Hire me then fire me is quite simple. You hire me for the job. I'll convince the Legislature to eliminate the job. You, the voters, then amend the Wisconsin Constitution to end the position and you, in essence, fire me. I WOULD BE HONORED TO BE FIRED BY YOU!

For decades, the Republicans and Democrats have been spouting rhetoric about ending this position. They have failed miserably in ending it. I believe there are several reasons I could accomplish the job:

I would give good political cover to both parties if I were elected. They could point to me and say the voters put him there, so they must want to vote on eliminating the position. They don't want to fire one of their own party, but they would love to see a Libertarian fired.

I'm not a member of the red or blue team. Therefore, I could not be pressured from above to keep this cozy political job for some party loyalist with the desire to go out and win it.

I'm retired and have no ambition for higher office. I simply see an office that should be eliminated. I will do the very limited duties of the state treasurer while there, but will work hard to end the position.

Since I have no ulterior motives in trying to end this office, both parties could work with me comfortably to achieve that objective.

Lest you think that a vote for a Libertarian is a wasted vote, consider once again this office. It has very little power. It has no authority to enact laws, veto laws, or even propose laws. It has virtually no influence over state policy. I can assure you, however, that if you put a Libertarian in this office, you will send a sharp, pointed and very powerful message to the Legislature in Madison: Cut government! Even if it only involves this small department, they will get the message.

I'm Jerry Shidell and I'm asking for your support for state treasurer this Nov. 4. Hire me then fire me. I would be honored to be fired by you. Thank you for your time and consideration.