Penny's Biography

Hi Neighbor,

I am Penny Bernard Schaber. I live at 815 East Washington Street in Appleton, Wisconsin. You and I probably have several things in common. We are residents of Appleton. We are concerned citizens and we are probably a little frustrated with politics as usual.

I think it is time for our voices to be heard. I am the Democratic candidate for State Assembly District 57. I am running for this office because I want to change things in Madison. I want to represent you, your concerns, your dreams and your hopes for Appleton.

In 2006, I ran for the same office. My campaign for the State Assembly was strong, positive and issue oriented. Over 200 volunteers were actively involved, making a great grassroots effort in the 2006 Campaign. Together we earned 46.7% of the vote. I came very close to defeating a ten-year incumbent.

Throughout 2007 I have been talking to citizens and business and community leaders. I have also been part of a training program for female candidates, graduating from the Emerge Wisconsin 2007 program in June. This training and the input from citizens and business and community leaders reconfirm my commitment to be the Democratic candidate to represent Appleton in the State Assembly.

I have lived in Appleton since 1984. I attended City Council and County Board meetings throughout the ensuing 23 years. Attendance at public hearings on the Fox River Clean Up Plan, long-range land use and transportation planning sessions for the Fox Valley Area has kept me informed. As a member of the Fox Valley Sierra Group and as Chairperson for Wisconsin’s John Muir Chapter of the Sierra Club I have been very involved in the environmental concerns of our community and our state.

Before living in Appleton I grew up in Mundelein, Illinois, the third oldest of eleven children. I received an Associate Degree and a Bachelor’s of Science Degree from Southern Illinois University. As a Peace Corps Volunteer I worked in a hospital in Campino Grande, Brazil. After returning to the United States I earned my degree in Physical Therapy from Northwestern University in Chicago. Before moving to Appleton I worked at hospitals in Milwaukee. In the Fox Valley I worked as a physical therapist at hospitals, in private practice, nursing homes and schools.

I have a keen interest in the outdoors and the protection of our environment. After joining and becoming active with the Sierra Club in 1980, I returned to school to learn more about the detailed workings of the environment. I completed an Associate Degree in Natural Resources Technology at Fox Valley Technical College in 1985. I use this knowledge in my role as a spokesperson and activist for the Sierra Club.

I met my husband, Dale, now a retired Appleton Area School District Media Specialist, on a camping trip on Rock Island. We were married in 1990. Since 1998 I have worked as a physical therapist for the Oshkosh School District. Dale and I love to camp and travel. We completed hiking the entire Ice Age Trail in August 2005.

After living in Appleton for 23 years, I know Appleton well. I have had the pleasure of watching Appleton grow and prosper. I am ready and willing to take on the responsibility of representing Appleton in state government. I need your help to make this happen.

Please contact me with your concerns, your dreams and your hopes for Appleton. I will listen to your input and respond as quickly as I can. Please contact me through the website link or call me at 739-9001. If you are interested in volunteering to help my campaign I would especially enjoy hearing from you.

Sincerely, 
Penny Bernard Schaber 
Candidate for Wisconsin Assembly District 57