top of page
About Us
I'm Ernie Wittwer and I've been interested in our international, national, state, and local issues for most of my life. I've always spent a good deal of time researching issues and thought it was about time I shared my research with others.
​
I'm a native of Wisconsin. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin with degrees in history, public management, and adult education.
​
Over twenty-five years with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, I held several high-level positions, including chief of staff to the Secretary. In that role, I had broad management responsibilities, as well as the oversight and coordination of the department’s policy agenda.
​
After my time at the department, I moved to the University of Wisconsin to become the Director of the Regional Transportation Center. There I taught graduate level courses on transportation management and policy, managed a research program, and conducted state, regional, and national professional development programs.
​
I moved with my wife to New Braunfels, Texas in 2017. In Texas, I have been active with the League of Women Voters and write a monthly column about issues of concern for New Braunfels’ Herald-Zeitung Newspaper.
​
​
I'm Rita Wittwer and a retired native of Wisconsin. I have a BS degree (graphic design emphasis) from the University of Wisconsin - Madison. I was a budget chief for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, where I dealt with financial issues and wrote issue papers for consideration by the Wisconsin State Legislature.
​
As a graphic designer, I created websites, logos, posters, brochures, and all things graphic, as well as writing content. I volunteered for four years as the website manager and graphic designer for Comal County Conservation Alliance (CCCA).
​
I moved to New Braunfels with my husband and our furry people, Tucker (dog), Michou (dog), and Tigger (cat). Texas is a beautiful state, but the politics are bonkers. I am an unapologetic progressive and will write opinion pieces on various topics when I feel like it.
Otherwise, I maintain the Issue Decoder blog and provide editorial review for every post. I hope you find the contents of this blog useful and interesting.
bottom of page