Town Road Talk

In this conversation, Representative Karen DeSanto discusses her role in advocating for rural communities, focusing on education, healthcare, housing, and agriculture. She emphasizes the importance of supporting teachers, addressing the challenges faced by public education, and the need for affordable housing. DeSanto also shares insights into agricultural practices and the impact of legislation o...

Our conversation with Seth Taft, the new Executive Director of the Association of Wisconsin State Parks, explores the vital role of Friends groups in supporting state parks, particularly in rural communities. It highlights the extensive work these groups do beyond fundraising, including maintenance and advocacy for park funding. The discussion also addresses the challenges of state park funding, t...

In this conversation, Seth Taft, the downtown manager of Baraboo, discusses his journey from archaeology to community management, emphasizing the importance of passion for local development. He highlights the vibrant events that engage the community, the challenges of balancing development with maintaining the town's character, and the significance of promoting local businesses, especially in...

In this conversation, Representative Clint Anderson discusses the challenges and opportunities in rural politics, focusing on infrastructure, community engagement, and the importance of volunteer services. He emphasizes the need for Democrats to connect with rural constituents and the significance of economic concerns in these communities. The discussion also touches on the impact of national poli...

In this episode of Town Road Talk, hosts Rebecca Powell and Dave Considine engage with Martha Laning, former chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party. They discuss the importance of strong state parties, the need for grassroots engagement, and the lessons learned from past campaigns. Martha emphasizes the significance of understanding rural communities, the necessity of local voices in politics, an...

In this episode of Town Road Talk , host Rebecca Powell and Dave Considine sit down with Joe Zepecki—Democratic strategist and candidate for chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party. Together, they dive into Zepecki’s motivations for running, his rural roots, and the persistent challenges the Democratic Party faces in reaching rural voters. Zepecki offers candid insights into the cultural and econo...