Peter Yu

Peter Yu earned a bachelor's degree from Fort Lewis College in 1995. His career experience includes working in finance as an executive at Wyndham Worldwide and HSBC Bank.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a 2nd generation immigrant whose family immigrated to America in 1969. My parent's and my six brothers and sisters came to Colorado without a penny to their name and didn't speak a word of English. Our early years were difficult and we had to work our way up from a beginning of living in poverty. Thanks to hard work and the opportunities that are present in America, all seven children have become successful. As for myself, I have had to overcome many obstacles and am proud that I have been able to ascend to executive positions within some of the largest companies in the world such as Wyndham Worldwide and HSBC Bank. I now look forward to using my business background and experiences to resolve the issues facing our state and country.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I am a representative of the people and understand that this is not a career. This is a temporary opportunity to serve the people of my district, state, and country. My priority is the constituents, not Washington. I do not accept endorsements and will be sure to focus on real solutions, not campaign promises.I have a corporate background where my responsibilities were to handle large projects, budgets, operations, and teams. As having experience in resolving issues and working with multiple variables, I feel that this is what is needed in Washington. Being in a results oriented environment will help make progress in creating legislation for the people of our country.Actions matter. I have spent my entire campaign working to meet the people of our district and state. I spend eight plus hours canvassing and knocking on doors each day. It is important to meet as many constituents as possible to hear their concerns and to show true representation.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

My main focus will be on creating high paying jobs, reliable and affordable energy, a strong economy, and immigration. Americans are dealing with a high cost of living and are feeling the effects of current government policy. Americans need help with the issues that affect them everyday and it is imperative that we provide the tools necessary to maintain a quality way of life.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

There are too many to list. That being said, I believe in being a person of high character, being genuine, being unselfish, thinking of others. I believe in hard work, not having other people do things that I can do for myself. I believe in making sure that all personal actions are done with the mindset of how does this affect the people around me and my community. I believe in being responsible for my own actions and not making excuses. I believe in making sure that people who view me are proud of who I am and know that I am trustworthy.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

The Federalist Papers

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

The characteristics that we need in our elected officials is knowledge of issues affected by the Federal Government, skillsets to problem solve and negotiate, and resolve to meet with all constituents and congress to understand all views. In addition, character, honesty, and being genuine to understanding the role of a public servant.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I believe that my family upbringing of hard work, working seven days a week and putting other people first will be an asset in my position. I also feel that my background in corporate America has given me the experience to not only work with others in Washington, but also the skillset to resolve and create legislation that is in the benefit of all Americans.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Oversight of government issues and violations. Review current legislation and draft bills that resolve issues. Hold all government branches and executives accountable.

What legacy would you like to leave?

My legacy will be that I addressed the issues and found solutions to the issues affecting America. Issues such as our national debt, our border, our safety. I also want to leave a legacy that I was able to unite our country and I was able to lead by example of what and how a public servant should serve.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

Sadly, the first major historical event was when President Reagan was shot. I was 9 years old. I also remember the Space Ship Challenge disaster when I was 13.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job was working in my family restaurant at the age of eleven washing dishes. I held this job throughout high school and also had other side jobs during this time to make more money in all fields. Mowing lawns, working maintenance, customer service, meat packing plants, cleaning, movie theater usher, teacher assistant, etc. Basically, I have done every job growing up.

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Old Man and the Sea. A story about struggles, hard work, disappointment and overcoming. A true depiction of how tough real life can be and the desire to continue to fight.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Spiderman, after all, he has a great name. Peter!

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

God Bless the USA! by Lee Greenwood

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

My struggles growing up were financial as my family came to America with nothing and had to start at the very bottom. This was actually a blessing in disguise as the financial poverties that my family experienced actually required us to work harder and learn from our mistakes. This allowed all seven children to become successful and allow our grand children to do even better.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

The House of Representatives is an amazing institution as it is a direct relationship with the people of the district, and is elected by the people. This responsibility of being elected every two years requires a constant and strong connection to the people of their district. This allows for constant feedback and update of our Federal government.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

I do not believe that previous experience for Congress is necessary. In fact, I feel that this has been part of the problem with Washington. Members of Congress who have a long history in politics can be tied to platforms that are not necessarily in the best interest of the people of their district or country. Also, Congress has become so divided, that we no longer need politicians in office, but need people with real world experience to bring us back together.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

I have learned from the constituents of Colorado that the future of America is being challenged. We need to control spending to reduce cost of living, regain our sovereignty with secure borders, have proper law and order to stop crime, and the political divide needs to be amended.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

Two year terms are great as it does require the members of Congress to stay connected to the people of their district.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I feel that in this day in age, term limits are more required then ever. Politicians have become more focused on maintaining their seat instead of doing what is right for the people. It is imperative that people who serve understand that this is not a career, but only a temporary position to serve the people of their district, state, and country.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Currently I am looking to mold my own path. My only requirement is that at the end of my term, I can be an example to other representatives and my constituents as to how their Congressman is suppose to represent.

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

I spend on average eight hours every day canvassing the neighborhoods of my district and one story was extremely impactful. An elderly lady informed me that she will not vote for any candidate or representative who simply points fingers and blames the other party. She is tired of excuses and doesn't want to hear cheap campaign promises or bullet points on how to address the issues affecting the people. She wants accountability for our own actions and she wants detailed plans on how to address the issues such as our border, our out of control spending, and our divided country. This is a common theme I hear every day and I believe that the people regardless of their affiliation are losing faith and are tired of talk. They want resolve and actions that actually work.

Tell us your favorite joke.

No comment! Haha

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

I do believe that compromise is necessary for every member of congress in Washington D.C. Every state in our country has different views, different ideas, and different beliefs. If we are ever going to have a Federal Government that properly serves the people of this country, we need to focus on the foundation that made America the greatest country in the world. Our focus should be on the guidelines presented in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Any policy made outside the amendments of our Constitution, needs to be restrained and discussed so that we do not push our own agendas, but instead work to create common ground on what is best for all Americans.

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

I believe that Congress needs to be responsible for all financial expenditures and would be my top priority as our spending is a true detriment to the future of our country. I believe that any money spent, should be first reviewed to see if necessary, but also if it can be reallocated from our current budget. The United States Federal government is currently spending between 2.5 to 3 trillion dollars a year more than our currently tax revenue. This is adding on more debt, more interest, and this is unsustainable. America needs to be on a balanced amendment immediately. Any member of Congress that cannot adhere to a balanced budget, needs to forgo their salary and/or resign.

How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?

The U.S. House should only use it's power when we have an actual offense with documentable evidence that shows a true violation has occurred. Today we see the party in power take on investigations that are not real, nor existence of real evidence. This is part of the issues with America today being divided as multiple investigations that have been presented, truly are for the purpose of pandering to their base.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

I do not accept endorsements. I have not asked or solicited endorsements in the six years I have run for office. I am beholden to no one and believe that endorsements are a statement that you know someone or you now owe someone. Constituents are smart, they don't need anyone telling you how to vote.

What committees interest you?

Energy and Commerce. Agriculture

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I believe that transparency in government, finances, and holding every member of government accountable is the core to resolving the issues plaguing America. Spending and government control is changing the landscape of America and future. It is necessary to show the American people where money is spent and wasted and hold those our government accountable for all actions.

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