Sue's Blog: From 'Main Street' II

February 26th, 2010 by Sue Neumann - Comments (0)

Mark and I have been very busy as we continue meeting small business owners on Main Streets across the state. A few weeks ago, we battled the snow – over one foot of it – in Mukwonago and Burlington. My mother and I used to shop in Burlington when I was a little girl. I have fond memories of taking the wide staircase up and down in Montgomery Ward.  It was interesting to see how much has changed; the building that was once Montgomery ward has now become a furniture store! Mark was also able to reminisce on his time living in Mukwonago as a young boy.

By far, the best stop of the day was Bartle’s Jewelry Store. The owner, Steve Bartle, is a former high school classmate of ours. Moreover, other former classmates, Kim and Darrell Koch, saw on the campaign’s website that we’d be in the area and decided to stop by. If you’ll recall, this isn’t the first time the Kochs have met us on Main Street; all of us enjoyed the opportunity to reflect on our days in high school and chat about what our friends are doing now.

Mark must have noticed my glances at all the jewelry, because before we left, he bought me an early Valentine’s Day gift. I enjoyed wearing the pair of pink pearl earrings a few days later for the holiday. Mark and I usually try to buy something at all the small businesses. Whether it’s a new book to read after a long day of campaigning, or a toy for our grandchildren, Mark and I see this as a way of thanking the businesses for allowing us to visit.  

This week we were on the Main Streets of Oconomowoc and Waukesha. I had the opportunity to take Mark to the local Weight Watchers, which I attend and am close with many of the women. Mark informed them that I am a food pusher, which is one of the cardinal sins at Weight Watchers. I just try to make sure those I care about are well-fed. I am sure I’ll be hearing it from the other women next week!

On three separate occasions people noticed that Mark was wearing a red sweater on that day, and asked him if he was trying to look like Lee Dreyfus, a former Wisconsin Governor. Dreyfus was able to win the election by taking his campaign to the citizens – rather than the political insiders. The comparison is definitely warranted; although we may not be traveling with a band and in a giant bus, it is exactly what we are doing with the Main Street visits!