Tony Zammit of Chippewa Falls has entered a crowded Republican primary for the 67th Assembly District. Zammit, the executive director of the Chippewa Valley Symphony, officially declared his candidacy on April 13.
In a statement released by his campaign, Zammit said, if elected he will focus on improving the education system and strengthening the economy in northwestern Wisconsin. Zammit also praised the work of current 67th Assembly District Rep. Tom Larson (R-Colfax), who is stepping down from his position in the fall due to health issues.
Zammit is a former employee of the Republican National Committee and has worked for Republican Minnesota politicians including former U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman and former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty.
Also running for the 67th district on the Republican side is Michael Hanke, a former Chippewa Falls City Councilman and Iraq war veteran; Rob Summerfield, a supper club owner; and Travis Hakes, a police officer in Lake Hallie.
On the Democratic side, Chippewa Falls City Councilman Dennis Doughty announced his candidacy last week. While on the Chippewa Falls City Council, Doughty served as president of the Finance Committee and recently was appointed to the Planning Commission. Additionally, Doughty served 15 years in the United States Navy.
In a statement, Doughty said his motivations for running for office are lowering the 6.7 percent unemployment rate and the 11 percent poverty rate in Chippewa County.
Also running for the Democratic primary is Dennis Hunt, who announced his candidacy May 2. Hunt, a self-described “Catholic Democrat” is the former Chippewa County finance manager and current owner of Chippewa Valley Tax Service. Hunt said his campaign will focus on increasing school funding and improving the job market for the unemployed and underemployed.
The second Democrat officially entering the race is Mackenzie Yagilashek, a UW-Baron County student.