Czaja to run for 35th Assembly

Mary Czaja, business owner and life-long resident of Tomahawk, announced late Thursday evening that she intends to run for the Wisconsin State Assembly to represent the 35th District. Tom Tiffany (R-Little Rice) currently holds that seat, but announced last week that he will be running for the 12th District State Senate seat currently held by Jim Holperin (D-Conover). Holperin announced in late March that he would not be seeking re-election.

"As a resident and property owner of Lincoln County, I have felt the impact that taxation has had on residents," said Czaja. "As a small business owner, I have experienced and dealt with the issues that Wisconsin residents and businesses are facing. I believe that my experience, and willingness to work with all parties, will be beneficial to the people of the 35th District."

Czaja is a fiscal conservative, running as a Republican. "People in the Northwoods look at the issues," she said. "I believe that I have the experience to work with both parties in the Assembly, and will base my legislative votes on what is best for the families and the businesses who I hope to represent."

Czaja owns C.I.S. Insurance Group, an insurance agency in with offices in Tomahawk and Rhinelander. "I have navigated state and national insurance issues since 2003. My experience on the Professional Insurance Agents state and national board of directors has given me first-hand experience in working with the Legislature and our Congress," said Czaja. "It is my goal to bring my professional experience to the Wisconsin State Assembly. I work will hard on behalf of the people of the 35th District, and I will listen to what the voters want for our area."

Czaja comes from a family of independent business owners. Her father, Edward Behling, owned and operated Tomahawk Tree Farm and Behling Insurance. Czaja's grandmother, Dolly Roberts, and mother June Behling, operated the Bowling Alley Grill, and founded June's Delicatessen in the Nokomis area. Her uncle, Richard and Gerald Roberts, founded Roberts Berry Farm, now owned by her brother Tom and operating as the Tomahawk Berry Farm.