Mary Pallant 24th Congressional District California Democrat

Political Volunteer Experience

Growing up middle-class in San Diego, with four younger brothers, I was inspired by my grandfather who taught me that learning is a life long experience. And, I have learned to listen to people in all walks of life and have instilled working class and middle-class values; the values that are the bedrock of America. I have learned, through my work, volunteering, civic and political roles, to collaborate, formulate and develop ideas and policies that are necessary to achieving good schools, safe communities and an active citizenry. My education was fundamental to building my political foundation. The academics at Antioch University are not all typical, traditional collegiate courses. The curriculum combines excellent education with community/work experience while actively encouraging students to participate in social change and justice and, instilling core values of critical thinking and leadership.

Upon moving to Los Angeles in 1986 I soon opened my own small business, an insurance agency. I owned and operated this business for ten years. I found that I was able to listen to my clients’ individual and business needs and to accurately evaluate how those needs could best be served. While this may seem unrelated to politics, working in that fast paced, highly competitive market, combined with my education and community leadership, helped to prepare me for work in DC.

Throughout my extensive political and civic volunteer experience, I have always brought passion, dedication and integrity. I stand ready to serve the 24th Congressional District with the same determination. Being your representative in Congress is not only a calling and an obligation of duty to my country, a country I love, but a privilege: It will be a privilege to serve the people, the community, and the country at a new level.

My belief is that legislation involves compromising, but if you start with compromises you end up with nothing. Politics should instead be about bringing everyone to the table, starting with shared commonalities as the basis and then, through working together, you walk away with something better than imagined. We all have an opportunity to change our district. We all have the opportunity to be part of an historical moment, a moment that may not come again. We can all be proud of knowing we had a say in changing course.

Mary Pallant is 47 and is married to Andrew. They have two daughters. They live in Oak Park.

Political and Volunteer Experience

(Top)

Current

Ventura County Speaker Series, Founder and Host – Bringing Great Minds and information to Ventura County. I organize and host events in Ventura County, featuring great minds to inform and engage our community. The sharing of information is imperative to a strong, vibrant democracy.
Ventura County Commission for Women, Commissioner and Chair – The Ventura County Commission for women “encourages, supports and facilitates the empowerment and education of Ventura County Women.” Proudly serving since 2004.
California Democratic Party, 41st Assembly District Elected Delegate– 2005-2007 and 2007-2009. I have been instrumental in bringing a progressive voice to the California Democratic Party, Ventura County and working collaboratively with fellow progressives while advocating leadership from bottom up, not top down.
California Democratic Party, Organizational Development Committee, Appointed Committee Member
Community Foundation of Oak Park, Trustee – “Supporting our community with volunteers and grants since 1979.”

Recent

Out of Iraq Events

Congressman Elton Gallegly’s office - led community delegation visit to stop the surge of troops in Iraq and to stop the funding of the war.
Peace Rally in Thousand Oaks marking the 4 year anniversary of the Iraq war and to bring our troops home.
Peace Rally and March Los Angeles – in Conjunction with National March in Washington , D.C. January 27, 2007

Political Advocacy

Yes on 89 Campaign * The Clean Money Initiative - Speaker/Advocate in Ventura County.
No on 85 Campaign * The Parental Notification Initiative and in conjunction with the Planned Parenthood organization of Ventura , Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo Counties.
Opposition to Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Special Election 2005 * On behalf of the Police, Firefighters, Teachers and the California Employees Unions.

Political Board Positions

Progressive Democrats of America, Ventura County Chapter- Founder
Valley Democrats United (Served as President from 2003 to 2006) Ex-Officio
Founding Steering Committee Member – Valley for Kerry 2004. Raised over $250,000 for the Kerry Campaign and obtained National recognition for our service.