Groups Protest Gov. Walker's Appearance at RCEDC Event

Gov. Scott Walker’s appearance at the Racine County Economic Development Corp.’s anniversary event drew a lot of attention, both from fans of his pro-business stance and critics of many of his other initiatives.

Inside the Racine Marriott Tuesday night, Walker spoke to attendees of the RCEDC’s 28th anniversary celebration.

Outside, various groups took the opportunity of his appearance at the Mount Pleasant hotel to protest his policies. Some were protesting his decision to do away with the reciprocity agreement between Wisconsin and Minnesota’s university system, meaning Wisconsin residents would pay the higher out-of-state tuition rate at Minnesota state schools. Some were protesting the collective bargaining issue, some were protesting Walker’s decision to not defend the state’s domestic partnership provision.

Kelly Gallaher of Community for Change ticked off the reasons that groups were there to protest Walker’s appearance, saying “it’s pretty much a hit list of all our progressive ideals.”

She said the diversity of the groups there to share their displeasure with the governor was the most impressive part of the effort.

“It’s also a good indicator of just how far his over-reach has gone,” she said. “We’re all here to remind Gov. Walker that we disagree strongly with his stance on many things.”

Inside the Marriott, there was a different scene.

Walker talked about increasing the dollars spent on tourism in the state and job creation to a receptive audience.

“We’re spending more on tourism because every business owner knows when times are tough, you step it up and advertise even more,” he said.

He also said that employers in the state are only looking for government to “get out of the way.”

“Well, you’ve got a governor who hears that loud and clear,” he said. “And will act on that so you can add more jobs.”

Walker ended his 20-minute talk by asking the business leaders in the room to be his “choir.”

“I grew up down the road here in Delavan and my father was a pastor and someone asked him, ‘why do you preach to the choir?’ and he said ‘Because I want the choir to sing,’ Walker said. “If you believe Wisconsin is headed in the right direction, if you believe Wisconsin is truly open for business, I need you … to start singing for me."