By Tim Kowols

Workforce concerns, health care, and even foreign policy are some of the issues concerning many residents in Wisconsin’s Eighth Congressional District according to Representative Mike Gallagher. Months before he begins his second term, Rep. Gallagher ruffled feathers in his own chamber in a recent editorial where he attacked the status quo in Congress by offering several reform-related ideas. He says it has opened the door to a broader conversation among liberals and conservatives to find common ground with respectful dialogue, something that was apparent in his recent town halls in Ashwaubenon and Appleton.

The time between Election Day and swearing-in ceremonies is giving Rep. Gallagher a chance to lay the groundwork for some of his other reform plans. Ideas to change the Congressional calendar and allow committee members to choose their own leaders have already been shot down.