Peng Her for Assembly: Progressive Community Leader
Announces Candidacy for the
  Wisconsin Assembly

June 9, 2008
 
Progressive activist and small business owner Peng Her formally announces his candidacy for
Wisconsin ’s 81st district Assembly seat, which is being vacated by Rep. Dave Travis.

“I am running for the Wisconsin Assembly because we need to elect a people’s progressive
candidate who is willing to fight for the everyday person, for the workers who must work two jobs to
support their families, for the grandparents who cannot afford prescription drugs, and for the parents
seeking to meet the ever-increasing costs of higher education for their children,” said Peng Her.  

“Specifically, one of my legislative goals is to eliminate state revenue caps and find a more equitable
and effective way to fund our schools,” said Peng, who is endorsed by Madison School Board
President Arlene Silveira and former Madison School Board members Bill Keys, Bill Clingan, Shwaw
Vang, and Ray Allen.  

“I’m not a lobbyist or a Capitol insider,” notes Peng.  “What I am is a fighter. I am fighting to give a
voice to the people.  My goals and my legislative agenda are based on my experiences as a devoted
father, husband, small business owner, home owner, and progressive community activist. Not only
do we need to take back the Assembly but we need to return the Assembly back to the people! Only
then can change take place.”

Peng Her brings a wealth of economic development experience to the 81st Assembly district as a
member of the City of Madison Economic Development Commission and as owner of the Taste of
Asia restaurant. He pledges he will fight to attract and retain jobs while supporting local small
businesses by investing in workforce development.  Peng states, “We need to prepare the workforce
today for tomorrow’s economy by supporting continuing adult education such as MATC.”

Peng Her’s leadership is reflected in his outspoken advocacy for families with young children, elderly
parents, and those with disabilities. As a former Dane County Human Services Board member, he
will fight to pass comprehensive health care for all Wisconsinites. In addition, Peng serves as Vice
Chair of Communities United, board member of the Friends of Troy Gardens, and former council
member of the Northside Planning Council.

Peng’s family came to America from Laos after the Vietnam War with nothing but the clothes on their
backs and the will to survive. “We did not speak a word of English. We had never seen snow before,”
Peng recalls. With hard work, determination and perseverance he was able to put himself through
college working for Pella Windows factory, obtain a graduate degree, and start a successful
business. “It was not easy, but anything worth having is worth working for.  Anything is possible if you
put your mind to it,” Peng observes. “I am running for the Assembly because I believe the sum of my
life experiences and my proven record of commitment to community service has prepared me well for
this important job.”

“I am running for the Assembly because I believe the sum of my life experiences and my proven
record of commitment to community service has prepared me well for this important job,” says Peng
Her
Contact: Peng Her
608-240-0762 or
608-628-3901
pengher@sbcglobal.net