Progressive Dane Backs Ben Manski
“An exciting candidate who will make a great legislator”
The membership of Progressive Dane (PD) on Wednesday voted enthusiastically to support Ben Manski in his bid to represent the 77th District in the Wisconsin State Assembly. PD Co-Chair Thomas J. Mertz called Manski “an exciting candidate who will make a great legislator.”
Members were impressed by the commitment to effective, responsive government and progressive ideals Manski has demonstrated in his years as an activist, advocate and organizer. PD Member Mary Anglim called Manski “a hard-working guy who's not afraid to dig for answers, so he'll be great at constituent service.”
PD Co-Chair Jacque Pokorney described Manski as a political outsider with good insider skills and connections. She added, “He will be free to state truths that both major parties often prefer to duck, but he'll also be able to work with other progressives in the Assembly to move effective legislation forward. I think he will improve the atmosphere in state politics far out of proportion to his single vote.”
PD elected officials and members see Manski's bid as an opportunity to enhance and extend their work in local government. “So much of what we try to do in Dane County – whether reforming local elections, protecting quality public education, promoting sustainable development, preserving the environment, providing needed human services – is affected by state policies and budgets.” Mertz explained.
Dane County Supervisor Al Matano, who represents a portion of the 77th Assembly District, agreed: “I have worked with Ben Manski on environmental issues for many years. He's always been on the right side of the issues that I've worked on as a Supervisor. I'm supporting Ben for the Assembly because he is the best choice to protect our environment. His long record as an advocate and an activist ensure that he can be
trusted to fight for what is right.”
Earlier this week, PD-supported Madison Board of Education Members Arlene Silveira and Marj Passman endorsed Manski, stressing that he would bring “the voices [of] Board Members, parents, educators and community members” to the legislature. Student Progressive Dane had also previously endorsed Manski.
In thanking PD for the support, Manski reminded members of the proud traditions they carry on.
"Progressive Dane is the direct descendant of Fighting Bob La Follette's Progressive Party, and we need that kind of reform spirit in order to overcome the barriers that are holding Wisconsin back."
Progressive Dane is an independent political party in Dane County working to elect progressives to local office, to help people get involved in the political process, and to advance progressive policies. For more information, visit www.prodane.org. For information on Ben Manski's candidacy, visit www.voteManski.org.
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