By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner Volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

According to a press release on March 9 from her office, State Senator Janis Ringhand (D-Evansville) will not seek re-election. “It has been a great honor to serve the people of the 15th Senate district. While I will miss working with colleagues on important issues, I think that this is the right time to step aside, relax and retire,” Ringhand said.

Ringhand, whose district includes Whitewater, was elected to the State Assembly in 2010 and the State Senate in 2014. She is currently the Assistant Minority leader for the Senate Democrats. She has advocated for expanding paid Family and Medical Leave, reigning in the Dark Store tax loophole, local control, and promoting economic and workforce development.

She also produces Ringhand Beer Mustard, which is sold throughout southern Wisconsin. “I look forward to having more time to make and distribute…” the mustard, she stated. “I will always be grateful for the support people have shown throughout the years. I will miss the back and forth exchanges with my colleagues at the Capitol and helping folks back home. The time is right for me to move on.”

Until at least last week, Whitewater’s representative in the State Assembly, Don Vruwink (D-Milton), was uncertain as to whether he would be running for re-election this year, as he had indicated that most of the proposed redistricting plans would move the boundaries of the 43rd Assembly District such that his residence would no longer be included. However, on March 3 the Wisconsin Supreme Court selected the redistricting plan that had been submitted by Gov. Evers. Vruwink’s office told the Banner that the adopted plan leaves Vruwink’s district intact while slightly enlarging it. In response to the Banner’s inquiry, Vruwink’s staff asked him whether he now plans to run for re-election, which he confirmed. It must be noted, however, that on March 5 the Republican-controlled Legislature asked the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn the Wisconsin court’s redistricting decision. Depending on the outcome of that appeal, Vruwink might have to reconsider his decision.