Candidate Profile: Tom Palzewicz For U.S. House 5
BROOKFIELD, WI—The 2020 election is heating up in Wisconsin and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office. Eyes are primarily focused on the presidential election, but voters will also decide the outcome of state representative and senate seats.
Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.
Tom Palzewicz, a Brookfield resident is running for U.S. House of Representatives District 5.
Age: 58
Party affiliation: Democratic Party
Family: I met my lovely wife Terri over 30 years ago. Together, we raised three kids: Max, Erik, and Maddie, in Brookfield, where we still reside there today. Our dogs, Sophia and Kalliope, have since joined us as well.
Occupation: For the last 15 years I have been the owner of my very business coaching company.
Previous elected experience: n/a
Family members in government: My daughter Maddie is a Legislative Assistant for the office of Representative Robyn Vining.
Campaign website: https://www.tomforwi.com
The single most pressing issue facing our state is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.
As more people in the state of Wisconsin test positive for COVID-19, healthcare coverage should not be something the people should be worried about. We must move to a universal healthcare system where quality healthcare will become accessible and affordable for everyone. I am in this fight to address this issue in Congress for both my state and country.
What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
We need to put progress over partisanship. My opponent prevents progress and has indicated no plans to solve the issues the 5th district is facing. Further, I believe in servant leadership. It will be my privilege to serve all the people of Wisconsin’s 5th Congressional District, not just those that vote for me. I will make sure your voices are represented in Congress loud and clear.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I have experience working with Wall Street. I was the Treasurer at USBank Mortgage Corporation during the heyday of mortgages. I was called out by executives for not making as much money as other companies that engaged in risky mortgage practices that led to the 2008 financial crisis. I held firm and refused to follow the pack. When the crash hit, USBank went from the 12th largest mortgage bank to the 3rd. I believe that my understanding of the risks at the time and taking a more conservative stance helped catapult USBank to that position.
What steps should state government take to bolster economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic for local businesses?
As a small business owner, I understand that local businesses are suffering during this pandemic. We must provide local businesses access to resources that big businesses take for granted. The government should also provide local businesses with enough funds to continue running their establishments.
How will you address the calls for racial justice and police reform?
When I am Congressman, I will never be silent when I witness injustice. As your congressman, I will work to address the racial injustices that fester across our country. We all have a duty to fight racism and prejudice in our communities and Congress. I will stand up and fight for the people. I will listen, learn, and lead with you regardless of who you are, what you look like, who you love, what your race is, how you choose to worship, or how you identify.
I also believe we need to demilitarize police departments, advocate for change in police hiring and training practices, ensure all federal budgets are drafted with a racial equity lens, and declare racism as a public health crisis at the national level.
List other issues that define your campaign platform:
My campaign and I are also fighting for an economy that works for all of us, a clean environment, healthcare for all, and putting an end to gun violence.
What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
You deserve a leader that will serve you. I have a plan to get things done when in Congress. The number of national issues hitting close to home is staggering. I promise to devote myself to progress. When I ran in the 2018 race, we captured 38% of the votes, proving that many people in the 5th District are ready to set aside partisan politics and pave the way for a better 5th District.
This article originally appeared on the Brookfield Patch
