Paulette Garin - Democratic Candidate for the U.S. House of Repr

Background:

I am a 4th generation Kenoshan raised in a strong UAW family, and have been a union member myself. I know from direct experience the crucial role unions have played in the development and continuation of the middle class in our country.

It has been my good fortune to complete 3 college degrees:

Bachelor of Arts, Music/German, cum laude, UW-Whitewater
Master of Education, Curriculum and Instruction, Loyola University Chicago
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, magna cum laude, UW-Parkside

I recently passed all 4 sections of the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam on the first attempt.

I have served society as an Educator and in the non-profit sector at the Executive level. In addition, I have run a successful small business for over 20 years developing the talents of children.

I live in Kenosha, Wisconsin, a few blocks away from my recently widowed father. Between our two households, I tend to two dogs, two cats, and several aquariums of tropical fish. I have a great network of family and friends, and the many students I have taught throughout the years.

Goals:

These are serious times for our country! Our progressive, Democratic values are being challenged more than ever. Our infrastructure is crumbling, our institutions are failing, and our precious civil liberties are at stake. Our country is being deconstructed through greed and arrogance. Our less than credible leaders continually attempt to manipulate us with the age-old politics of fear.

This year, 2008, we unseat our Republican incumbent! We simply attach him and his voting record to the failed president he has blindly chosen to follow. It is my plan as your future Congresswoman to fight for Universal Health Care, ensure a quality education for all of our children, and demand an accountable government. I will be relentless in my efforts to protect our Civil Liberties, American jobs, and the environment. Our Republican incumbent has failed us on every one of these issues, either by voting “NO!” or neglecting to take appropriate action.

Issues:

Health Care, Education, and Fiscal Responsibility are the core issues of my platform, providing the foundation for reclaiming and rebuilding our country. I look at our nation as a metaphor for the family. Every family needs to be healthy, educated, and financially secure. When we nurture our country as we do our families, we will be in the best position to solve any and all of our concerns. We will be strong and resistant to the politics of fear. We will not end up in impossible situations like the War in Iraq.

Grassroots Support:

Grassroots is the core of my campaign. In a Congressional District where the median household income is probably below $35,000 with no major metropolitan center, Grassroots is the best and most effective method we have. I have analyzed (along with my campaign consultant) the past few election cycles in this district and we have an effective two-step plan to reclaim Wisconsin’s First Congressional District through a grass roots campaign. To be successful the first step requires that we organize behind one candidate well in advance of the September primary. We cannot afford to wait until after the primary, because the November General Election is only a few weeks away at that point.

There is momentum in this country for change. We can turn the 1st CD blue, but it is going to take each and every one of us to do it!

DFA Values:

I grew up in an ethnically diverse neighborhood. I did not know the depth of prejudice in this country until I went away to college. Combined with my family’s strong ties to labor, the values of equity, fairness and justice are part of my upbringing. How could people think of themselves as better because of their race, religion, gender or socio- economic standing?!

I was raised fiscally responsible. My grandfather always said, 'It does not matter how much money you make, but how much you save.' Raised in a blue-collar middle class family, I learned early the three key tenets of fiscal responsibility: (1) Manage resources so that your expenses do not exceed your income (a balanced budget), (2) Prepare for the future; save for that rainy day, (3) Carry no debt whenever possible.

My parents worked hard and were excellent managers of what limited means they had. The only luxuries they allowed themselves were the extensive road trips we took across this great country of ours. It has been my privilege to see well over half of our National Parks. Their gift gives me the inspiration to work diligently to protect the environment.

It is this mindset of social progressiveness and fiscal responsibility that I have carried with me my entire life both personally and professionally.

Thank you.