Tony Palmeri was born on July 1, 1961 (the same day and year as the late Princess Diana!) in Brooklyn, New York. His father Frank is a retired shoe maker and Korean War veteran. His mother Trudie worked almost 20 years at McDonald's after raising Tony and his older brother Frank and younger brother James. In May of 2004, Tony's grandma Rosa turned 101 years old! From his family, Tony learned the values that are at the core of his assembly campaign: hard work, determination, and fighting for what's right.

Tony graduated from Archbishop Molloy High School in 1979. He attended St. John's University in New York and earned his Bachelor's degree in "Rhetoric and Public Address" in 1983. At Central Michigan University he received an M.A. degree in Communication Studies in 1984. From 1984 - 1987 Tony attended Wayne State University in Detroit, earning his Ph.D in Rhetoric and Communication studies.

After spending two years teaching at the Rochester Institute of Technology in western New York, Tony became a member of the Department of Communication at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh in 1989. In his 15 years at the University, Tony has taught classes in Fundamentals of Speech Communication, Freedom of Speech in the United States, Foundations of Speech Communication, Communication in Contemporary Society, The Rhetoric of Rock Music, Modern Rhetorical Theory, Advanced Public Speaking, History of American Public Address, and Persuasion. In 2004 he was named the Andrew M. Weaver "Communication Educator of the Year" by the Wisconsin Communication Association.

From 1991 - 1995 Tony became a familiar face to Oshkosh residents when he CO-hosted (with former Oshkosh Mayor James Mather) "Commentary," a weekly public affairs television program. In 1996 Tony took time off from Commentary to run for the 54th Assembly District. He received over 8,300 votes running against a 9 year incumbent.

In 1997 Tony was elected chair of the UW Oshkosh Department of Communication, a position he held for 6 years. In 1997 he was also elected to the first of his two terms on the UW Oshkosh Faculty Senate, and was elected President of that body in 2000. From 1998 - 2003 Tony served as President of the UW Oshkosh chapter of The Association of University of Wisconsin Professionals (TAUWP), a Wisconsin Federation of Teachers affiliated union.

In 1998 Tony along with Jim Mather and videographer Doug Freshner created a new edition of "Commentary." The program has received two National Communicator Awards, a national Videographer Award, and led to the creation of Tony Palmeri's daily news website (www.tonypalmeri.com).

Tony Palmeri has published numerous scholarly and popular writings. His monthly column of media criticism, Media Rants, appears in the Appleton based Valley Scene.

Tony Palmeri's political philosophy is steeped heavily in Wisconsin's progressive tradition. He is an enemy of machine politics, concentrated power, and bullying in all forms. He says, "I believe it is the responsibility of government to dismantle the machines, respect the power of the people, and keep the bullies in line. Political leadership means using one's talents to eradicate social and economic injustices, demand that the Earth be protected for future generations, role model an ethic of resolving disputes nonviolently, and mobilize grassroots democracy."

The Lake Winnebago Green Party actively recruited Tony to run for the 54th Assembly District as a Green candidate. On May 1 of 2004, Tony officially announced his candidacy.

Want to know more about Tony Palmeri? Give him a call at (920) 203-9749 or email him at Tony@TonyPalmeri.com

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