Film, Video Advertising, and Photography work by Brett Marty.
WILLIE, THE VENDOR
WILLIE, THE VENDOR // Portage, Wisconsin
“I don’t trust either one of them, a politician’s a politician…I don’t understand why anybody would want to be president…”
Two women at one of the picnic tables nearby confirm that William has the best Chicago dog around. He leans out the window and speaks candidly and with a sense of remorse about where we’ve been and where we’re heading. He doesn’t want to think about whom he’s voting for until Election Day.
Willie’s Weenie Wagon is parked in an alley behind a Democratic campaign office. Earlier, there was an event with Senator Russ Feingold, but nobody mentioned it to William. Had he known, he would have liked to attend, he laughs.
Originally from Chicago, he volunteered for the Navy and fought in the Vietnam War as a Boatswain’s Mate. He’s sincere, easy to laugh, and quick to joke.
I went to Wal-Mart to get a pair of glasses fixed and grabbed the first attendant I saw. Her and I have been married for 27 years.
His wife still works at Wal-Mart.
Portage, WI:
• Population: 10,183.
• Per capita income: $21,480.
• 88.9% white, 5.1% Black, 3.8% Hispanic, Native American 0.9%.
• Percentage below poverty line: 18.6%.