Gun rights advocate joins state's first lady on Sheboygan stroll

What was supposed to be a gentle promotional stroll along the Sheboygan lakefront Friday morning by the state's first lady, became a bit more concerning to those attending when a local gun-rights advocate showed up with a semi-automatic rifle strapped to his back and a holstered pistol hanging from his waist.

Bill Polster, of Sheboygan Falls, said his intention in brinventging the AK-47, a Glock and a Ruger LCP pistol to Wisconsin First Lady Tonette Walker's visit to Sheboygan onFriday was not to scare anyone, but rather to exercise his Second Amendment rights.

"People have the right to self defense and there are so many people that don't realize that carrying a weapon is legal in Wisconsin," Polster said.

Polster has become a recognizable fixture in the region, often showing up at farmers markets, parades and even movie theaters and other public events to make the point that it is legal in Wisconsin to openly carry a properly licensed firearm.

While some people find it troubling, it's not illegal and police are not concerned.

"I've had 10 encounters with the police in the last year. The more I do it the less I get stopped, at least locally," Polster said.

One media report said that Walker's visit was delayed about 15 minutes by Polster's presence, but Sgt. David Anderson with the Sheboygan Police Department said one office was on hand for the first lady's visit and that no extra security measures were taken.

Walker came to Sheboygan as part of her Walk with Walker campaign to draw attention to the state's scenic areas. On Friday, Walker was joined by about 50 people, including state Tourism Secretary Stephanie Klett, at Deland Park. The group walked about 2 miles along the lakefront.

The walk, which was hosted by the Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce, was followed by a luncheon at the Sheboygan Yacht Club.

Polster joined in the walk after stashing his weapons in the trunk of his car.

Chamber Executive Director Betsy Alles said she asked someone to ask Polster whether he intended to carry the weapons on the walk but did not ask explicitly that he put them away.

The first lady didn't seem to be concerned, Alles said.

"I was worried that maybe she would be concerned enough to not make the trip (because of Polster), but she didn't say a word about it," Alles said. "I'm not even sure they (security) told her."

Alles said Polster's presence seemed to have little effect on the success of the event.

"At first people were a little concerned and then very quickly found out that he was very gentlemanly and civil,' she said. "Some of the walkers started to ask him questions, and he answered very kindly. I don't think people were concerned after that. I think it posed a dilemma at first, but everything worked out fine."

Alles said she introduced herself to Polster but otherwise didn't interact with him much.

"The walk was lovely and (Walker) was impressed with the area," she said. "I was very happy with the turnout."

Polster told a Sheboygan Press reporter afterward that people are more interested in the small GoPro camera that he mounts on his head than about his weapons.

"I've never had anyone run away screaming," Polster said.

He posts videos online taken by the camera to record the reactions he gets and to make the point that most people are not afraid of him.

Polster started openly carrying his weapons after 20-year-old Pheng Lee was killed in the south side Walmart parking lot in 2012.

"I've never needed to use my firearms...but if someone comes in and robs a gas station when I'm in there and I don't have my firearm, they're not going to let me call a timeout to get my firearm," Polster said. "It's kind of useless if you don't have it with you."

He said he didn't talk to the first lady Friday, but shook hands with her and talked with her sons a bit.

He said his gun rights stance doesn't necessarily translate to support for one political party over another.

"I'm a Constitutionalist. I don't really support Republicans per se, but they are more in line with my ideals than Democrats," he said.

Reach Jane Roberts at 920-453-5167.